Pumpkin cheesecake is a classic fall treat, but these Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars take the seasonal favorite to new heights. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake filling, and a sweet yet tangy topping, these bars are the perfect fusion of comfort and indulgence. Get ready to wow your guests with this epic, festive dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for a Festive Treat
These Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate cozy, comforting, and craveable fall treat. The combination of a rich, velvety pumpkin cheesecake filling and a buttery graham cracker crust creates a lush, indulgent experience that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The added spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg lend a warm, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the bright, creamy pumpkin. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy, comforting dessert, these cheesecake bars are a guaranteed showstopper.
Ingredients
To make these Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need a simple list of ingredients, including cream cheese, pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and a blend of warm spices. The graham cracker crust provides a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, creamy filling.
- 16 ounces – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree
- 3 – Eggs
- 1 cup – Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon – Ground cinnamon, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon – Ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon – Ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups – Graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons – Unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient Substitutions
- Graham Crackers: Substitute with gingersnaps or Oreo cookies for a different flavor profile.
- Spice Blend: Try adding a touch of cardamom or cloves for a more complex aroma.
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for a Festive Treat
To create these decadent Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preparing the graham cracker crust. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs, then mix them with melted butter and press the mixture into a baking pan. Bake the crust until golden and fragrant.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Mix until the filling is well combined and silky.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the pre-baked graham cracker crust and smooth the top. Bake the bars until the center is almost set, then let them cool completely before topping with a layer of sweetened sour cream or whipped cream.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle the top of the bars with a dusting of cinnamon or crushed graham crackers. Chill the bars in the refrigerator until firm, then cut into squares and serve.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Caramel or Chocolate Swirl: To add even more flavor, try swirling in a layer of caramel or melted chocolate before baking.
- Spice Blend Variations: Experiment with different spice blends, such as adding a touch of cardamom or cloves for a more complex aroma.
- Creamier Texture: For a creamier texture, consider using a blend of cream cheese and mascarpone in the filling.
- Crunchy Toppings: If you’re a fan of texture, you can top the bars with a crunchy streusel or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a dusting of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of pumpkin cheesecake all season long.
Make-Ahead: These Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert for any festive gathering.
Nutrition Information
These Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a rich, indulgent treat, but a little goes a long way. Each serving provides a satisfying dose of creamy pumpkin goodness, along with a touch of sweetness from the graham cracker crust and topping. Enjoy these bars in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 31 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert. Simply prepare the bars, chill them in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to serve whenever you need them.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works great in this recipe. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which often contains added sugars and spices.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The bars are done when the center is almost set but still has a slight jiggle. The edges should be golden brown and the top should look smooth and glossy.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Do I have to use a water bath when baking the bars?
While using a water bath (also known as a bain-marie) can help prevent cracking, it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe. As long as you don’t overbake the bars, they should come out of the oven with a smooth, crack-free surface.
Try These Next
- Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars For Festive Desserts
- Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
- Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars With Gingersnap Crust
Indulge in Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for a Festive Treat
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and spices with a creamy cheesecake layer, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for festive gatherings!
Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs- ⅓ cup sugar- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened- ½ cup sugar- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree- 2 large eggs- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish.3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and ½ cup sugar together until smooth.4. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.5. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until evenly distributed.6. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the crust, spreading evenly.7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and edges slightly puffed.8. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
– For a more intense flavor, let the bars sit overnight in the refrigerator.- Serve with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pumpkin, cheesecake, bars, dessert