Cozy up to the ultimate fall treat with these Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Bars! A delectable fusion of pumpkin spice, rich cheesecake, and salty-sweet bacon, these bars are the perfect indulgence for the season. Brimming with festive flavors and a luscious, creamy texture, they’re sure to delight your senses and become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Bars
These Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful blend of seasonal flavors and textures. The creamy, velvety cheesecake is perfectly complemented by the warm, fragrant pumpkin spice and the crispy, smoky bacon, creating a symphony of bold, comforting tastes. Whether you’re craving a cozy autumn dessert or a unique twist on a classic, these bars will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Bars include a rich cream cheese filling, a spiced pumpkin puree, a buttery graham cracker crust, and crispy, golden-brown bacon. Together, they come together to create a truly indulgent and craveable treat.
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) – Graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp (85g) – Unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz (680g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) – Granulated sugar
- 3 – Large eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut-based cream cheese (for a creamy, indulgent texture).
- Bacon: Omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian option, such as candied nuts or crumbled graham crackers.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Bars
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. In a food processor or blender, blend the graham crackers into a fine crumb. Melt the butter and mix it with the graham cracker crumbs to create the crust. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake it until lightly golden.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. In a food processor or blender, blend the graham crackers into a fine crumb. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan, going up the sides about 1 inch. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a touch of heavy cream. Dollop the pumpkin mixture over the cheesecake batter and use a knife or skewer to swirl it in, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Sprinkle the crispy, crumbled bacon over the top of the cheesecake batter, gently pressing it into the surface. Bake the bars for 40-50 minutes, until the center is just set. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired. Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, spiced, and salty-sweet in every bite.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Pumpkin Flavor: For a more pronounced pumpkin flavor, you can increase the amount of pumpkin puree in the recipe.
- Less Sweet: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake batter.
- Crunchy Topping: To add a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the bars before baking.
- Festive Presentation: Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed gingersnaps for a festive touch.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage: These Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Make-Ahead: These bars actually taste better after they’ve had a chance to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set up.
Nutrition Information
These Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Bars are a rich and indulgent treat, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a satisfying dose of creamy, comforting flavors, with a good amount of protein from the cream cheese and bacon.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 32 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars actually taste better after they’ve had a chance to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set up.
Can I use a different type of crust?
While the graham cracker crust provides a delicious base, you can certainly experiment with other options, such as a traditional pie crust or a cookie crumb crust, to suit your preferences.
How do I get a clean slice?
For the best results, make sure the bars are thoroughly chilled before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the neatest presentation.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Bars freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Is there a way to make these bars less sweet?
If you find the bars to be too sweet for your liking, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake batter or omit the powdered sugar topping.
Try These Next
- Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
- Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
- Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Bars, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin, a hint of spice, and savory bacon for a sweet treat like no other!
Ingredients
For the crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup sugar
For the cheesecake:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 cup sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
– ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
3. 3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan to form the crust.
4. 4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
5. 5. Add the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until fully combined.
6. 6. Fold in the crumbled bacon gently into the cheesecake mixture.
7. 7. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
8. 8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set.
9. 9. Let it cool completely before slicing into bars.
10. 10. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
These bars are best served chilled and can be topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence. Experiment with different spices to enhance the flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pumpkin, cheesecake, bacon, dessert