Imagine a dessert that seamlessly blends the comforting flavors of fall — pumpkin spice, maple, and bacon — into a delectable and indulgent cheesecake bar. Introducing the Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars, a sweet and savory masterpiece that’s sure to delight your taste buds and bring people together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
These bars are the ultimate autumnal treat, combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the warm, cozy notes of pumpkin spice and the smoky, salty crunch of bacon. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the flavors, creating a truly craveable and indulgent dessert. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply looking for a comforting treat, these bars are sure to become a new fall favorite.
Ingredients
The key ingredients in this recipe include a classic cheesecake batter, pumpkin puree, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, crispy bacon, and of course, pure maple syrup. The combination of these flavors and textures results in a dessert that is both rich and satisfying.
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) – Graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons (85g) – Unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50g) – Brown sugar
- 3 (24 oz) – Packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) – Granulated sugar
- 3 – Large eggs
- 1 cup (240g) – Pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon – Ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon – Ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon – Ground cloves
- 6 slices – Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Pure maple syrup
Ingredient Substitutions
- Nuts in the Crust: You can try using different types of nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, in the crust for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Pumpkin Puree: If you prefer, you can substitute the pumpkin puree with sweet potato or butternut squash puree.
How to Make Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
With a few simple steps, you can create these indulgent and flavorful Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a food processor, blend the graham crackers into fine crumbs, then mix in the melted butter and brown sugar to create the crust.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add in the granulated sugar, then the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold in the pumpkin puree and the warm spices until the batter is well combined. Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is almost set.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the cheesecake is baking, cook the bacon until crispy. Once the cheesecake is done, let it cool completely at room temperature, then top it with the crumbled bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra special touch, you can add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkling of crushed graham crackers to the top of the bars.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Maple Flavor Boost: For a deeper maple flavor, try using maple sugar in the crust or topping the bars with a maple glaze.
- Spice Blend Swap: You can experiment with different spice blends, such as adding a touch of ginger or cardamom, to the cheesecake batter.
- Pumpkin Puree Variations: Try substituting the pumpkin puree with sweet potato or butternut squash puree for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Extra Indulgence: For an extra layer of richness, you can add a swirl of caramel or a sprinkle of chopped chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a sprinkling of crushed graham crackers, or a drizzle of additional maple syrup.
Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To serve, thaw the frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the crust and cheesecake batter a day or two in advance, then assemble and chill the bars when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars are a indulgent treat, but they also provide a boost of essential nutrients from the pumpkin and protein from the cream cheese and bacon.
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of the recipe)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 33 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the crust and cheesecake batter a day or two in advance, then assemble and chill the bars when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of nut in the crust?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a slightly different flavor and texture in the crust.
Can I add any extra toppings?
Absolutely! These bars are a great canvas for all sorts of toppings. Try adding a drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of chopped chocolate, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cream cheese is the traditional choice for cheesecake, you can experiment with other soft cheeses, such as ricotta or mascarpone, for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Try These Next
- Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Waffles
- Pumpkin Spice Maple Bacon Cheeseburger
- Harvest Maple Bacon Burger With Spiced Apple Slaw
Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring a creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake layer, a crunchy maple bacon topping, and a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for fall gatherings!
Ingredients
For the crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ⅓ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup maple syrup
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp pumpkin spice
For the topping:
– ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. 3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice. Mix until well combined.
4. 4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
5. 5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set.
6. 6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
7. 7. Once cooled, drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
8. 8. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use maple-flavored bacon. These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy the combination of sweet and savory flavors!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pumpkin, cheesecake, bacon, fall desserts