Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite desserts—Dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars! The moment the leaves start turning and the air gets that crisp autumn feeling, I can’t help but get excited about these little bites of heaven. They’re fluffy, creamy, and bursting with all the warm, cozy spices that make pumpkin recipes so irresistible.
I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. My cousin, who claims to be the ultimate cheesecake connoisseur, took one bite and exclaimed, “This is the best cheesecake I’ve ever had!” I was grinning from ear to ear, and ever since then, they have become my go-to dessert for any fall celebration. Plus, they’re so easy to make; it’s almost like they’re baking themselves while you’re sipping on your pumpkin spice latte!
What’s in Dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars?
Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to create this luscious dessert:
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! I always opt for pure pumpkin puree (not the spiced pie filling), which you can usually find canned in the grocery store during fall.
Cream Cheese: A must for that rich and creamy texture, cream cheese adds the perfect tanginess to balance the sweetness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is what we’ll be using to sweeten our cheesecake filling. Some people like to use brown sugar for a deeper flavor—totally your call!
Eggs: Eggs are the backbone of this recipe, giving structure to our bars. They help create a smooth, creamy filling.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: These lovely spices infuse amazing warmth and depth into the cheesecake. I like to use fresh spices if possible; they make a WORLD of difference in flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and brings everything together.
Graham Cracker Crust: A classic! It adds a delightful crunch and balances the softness of the filling. I often make my crust from scratch, but pre-made graham cracker crusts work just as well for a quicker option.
Is Dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Good for You?
Living in a world of desserts doesn’t have to be guilty! While these bars are definitely indulgent, they do offer some health benefits due to their star ingredient:
Pumpkin: Packed with vitamins A and C, pumpkin is a nutrient powerhouse! It’s low in calories but high in fiber, making it great for digestion.
Cream Cheese: Although it can be both a treat and a calorie-dense ingredient, cream cheese does provide some calcium, which is important for bone health.
Of course, the sugar content makes it a sweet treat best enjoyed in moderation. But hey, life is all about balance, right?
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to serve approximately 12 bars:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars?
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to whip up these delicious bars:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and set it aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking pan to form the crust. Bake for about 10 minutes, then let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. I really love using an electric mixer for this—it saves my arms the workout!
4. Add the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and spices to the cream cheese, and mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
5. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Keep an eye on it, as overbaking can lead to a dry cheesecake.
7. Once they are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, pop them in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or ideally overnight) before slicing!
Delicious Serving Suggestions
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are fabulous on their own, but if you want to kick it up a notch, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You could even sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top for added texture. The possibilities are endless!
I can’t wait for you to try these Dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars! They’re perfect for a cozy gathering or just a treat for yourself while curled up with a good book. Let me know how they turn out for you—I’m sure your friends and family will love them as much as mine do! Happy baking!