Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake with warm pumpkin pie spices in a delicious layered dessert perfect for fall. Easy to make, these bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth spiced pumpkin cheesecake filling, and a perfectly set finish after chilling. Ideal for fall gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights, they deliver comforting seasonal flavor with an impressive presentation.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 60 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free crust alternatives)
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan to form a compact base.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to achieve a silky texture.
- Add Pumpkin and Spices: Gently fold in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix just until combined to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust and smooth the top evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to set fully before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother batter without lumps.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor and warmth in the cheesecake.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal.
- Check doneness carefully; the center should remain slightly jiggly as it firms during chilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake bars, pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, pumpkin spice dessert, cheesecake bars, easy cheesecake, autumn dessert