A Sweet Autumn Delight You Can't Resist
As the leaves turn gold and the air becomes crisp, there’s something undeniably inviting about the warm, spiced aromas that fill the kitchen. Enter Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars—the perfect blend of creamy sweetness and luscious pumpkin flavor that embodies all the joys of autumn in one delightful bite.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- For the Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and spices. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pumpkin filling over the baked crust, smoothing it out to ensure an even layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about one hour, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares. Serve chilled, topped with your favorite toppings!