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Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
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The Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a festive fall dessert featuring a rich and creamy cheesecake layer blended with warm pumpkin pie spices atop a buttery, crunchy crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings, these bars combine smooth texture, spiced pumpkin flavor, and a delightful crust for an irresistible treat that can be customized to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream

Pumpkin Spice Mixture

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or well-cooked fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if preferred)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter and sugar until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking pan to form a firm, buttery crust. Bake for about 10 minutes to set the base perfectly.
  2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream (or heavy cream), mixing until the batter is silky and free of lumps.
  3. Incorporate Pumpkin and Spices: Fold the pumpkin puree with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and flour to blend the spices evenly and help the cheesecake layer firm up.
  4. Combine and Pour: Gently fold the pumpkin-spice mixture into the cream cheese batter until fully combined. Pour this filling onto the pre-baked crust, smoothing the surface for even baking.
  5. Bake Until Set: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. The center should be mostly set but still have a slight gentle jiggle to ensure a creamy texture. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and the bars to firm up for easier slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a lump-free batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracks during baking.
  • For a crack-free surface, bake the pan in a water bath (place the baking pan inside a larger pan with hot water).
  • Cool the bars gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.
  • Slice bars with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake bars, fall dessert, pumpkin dessert, cheesecake bars, holiday dessert, spiced pumpkin, creamy cheesecake

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/best-pumpkin-cheesecake-bars/