Imagine a decadent dessert that combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice with the salty-sweet perfection of maple bacon — that’s exactly what these Pumpkin Spice Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bars have in store. As Chef Savori from MySavorista.com, I’ve crafted this epic recipe to bring people together with its indulgent, flavorful twist on a classic cheesecake. Get ready for a lush, velvety texture and a showstopping presentation that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bars
These irresistible bars combine the cozy warmth of pumpkin spice with the salty-sweet crunch of maple bacon for a flavor sensation that’s both comforting and craveable. The creamy, lush cheesecake filling is the perfect canvas for the bright, zesty pumpkin puree and warm spices, while the crispy bacon topping adds a delightful savory element. Whether you’re serving these at a holiday gathering or indulging in them on a cozy night in, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you feeling oh-so-satisfied.
Ingredients
To make these Pumpkin Spice Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, the pumpkin puree, which adds a lovely autumnal flavor and velvety texture to the cheesecake filling. You’ll also need cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and a few warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect base, and the crispy, maple-glazed bacon topping takes this dessert to the next level.
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) – graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tbsp (70g) – unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (24 oz / 680g) – cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) – granulated sugar
- 3 large – eggs
- 1 cup (240g) – pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp – ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp – ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp – ground nutmeg
- 8 slices – bacon, cooked until crispy
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – maple syrup
- 1 tbsp (12g) – brown sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
- Crust: You can use gingersnaps or crushed digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for a different flavor profile.
- Bacon: For a lighter option, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bars
Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Pumpkin Spice Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bars:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating 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. In a food processor or blender, pulse the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Press the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the 1 cup of sugar, beating well after each addition. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, fold in the pumpkin puree and the warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg) until the filling is smooth and creamy. Pour the pumpkin spice cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the cheesecake bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is just set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. While the bars are chilling, prepare the maple bacon topping. In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup and brown sugar. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then brush the maple-sugar mixture over the bacon. Allow the glazed bacon to cool before topping the chilled cheesecake bars.
Step 4: Final Assembly
Once the cheesecake bars are completely cooled and chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares and top each one with a piece of the crispy, sweet-and-savory maple bacon. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Indulgence: Drizzle the cheesecake bars with a caramel or chocolate sauce for an even more decadent treat.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the bars for a delightful textural contrast.
- Make-Ahead: These Pumpkin Spice Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bars can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the crispy bacon topping until right before serving.
- Freezing: The bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a cup of hot coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage: The Pumpkin Spice Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: For best results, thaw the frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Make-Ahead: These bars can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the bacon topping until right before serving.
Nutrition Information
These Pumpkin Spice Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bars are a decadent treat, so they should be enjoyed in moderation. Each serving provides a generous portion of the creamy, comforting pumpkin spice cheesecake, balanced by the salty-sweet bacon topping.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 29 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cheesecake bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 5 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wait to add the crispy bacon topping until right before serving.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Definitely! While the graham cracker crust provides a classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with other options, such as gingersnaps, crushed digestive biscuits, or even a nut-based crust.
Can I make these bars without the bacon?
Of course! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can simply omit the bacon topping and enjoy the pumpkin spice cheesecake on its own. The bars will still be deliciously decadent and satisfying.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust, and be sure to check that your other ingredients, such as the pumpkin puree and cream cheese, are also gluten-free.
Can I add any extra toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some delicious options include a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Try These Next
- maple bacon pumpkin spice cheesecake bars
- pumpkin spice bacon cheesecake swirl bars
- spiced pumpkin cheesecake bars for a festive treat
Pumpkin Spice Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bars are a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring creamy cheesecake layered with pumpkin spice and topped with crispy maple bacon. Perfect for fall gatherings!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1/2 cup maple syrup
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
4.
5. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice. Mix until well combined.
6.
7. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking pan and spread it evenly.
8.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
10.
11. Drizzle maple syrup over the cooled cheesecake and sprinkle crumbled bacon on top. Add chopped pecans if desired.
12.
13. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars and serving.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pumpkin spice mix.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake, maple bacon, dessert bars