Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

This is usually my first pumpkin dessert to make. The layer of cheesecake and pumpkin makes this the perfect dessert to please a crowd. What is surprising to me that I have family members that don’t like cheesecake, but love these Pumpkin Cheesecake bars.

These are a must at every holiday party I attend. I am sure that your family and friends will want you to bring this during your holiday events. If they love this Pumpkin Cheesecake then they are going to love these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars.

Why This Recipe Works

It is definitely hard to resist any time of dessert or dish that includes pumpkins. I also love pumpkin cookies. The pumpkin mixture comes out perfectly and are so easy to make.

I love making pumpkin cheesecake bars for parties, potlucks, or for the holidays. You can cut them larger or smaller depending on how many people you are serving. They are easy to make them work for any size party or get together.

Plus this pumpkin cheesecake bar recipe is a fun twist from all my favorite classic pumpkin recipes and everyone loves them!

Ingredients

• Brown Sugar – See The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes
• Butter – We used unsalted butter
• Cream Cheese – We recommend using softened cream cheese
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Learn How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Whipped Cream – Learn How to Make Whipped Cream 

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

• Use an 8X8 square pan – These can be made in a smaller pan if you like thicker cheesecake bars. If you make thicker bars, you’ll need to increase the cook time to around 60-75 minutes until they are cooked through.
• Use Gingersnap cookies – You can use gingersnap cookies crumbs instead of graham crackers if you prefer. The gingersnap cookies add a bit more sweetness.
• Toppings – You can easily mix up these bars with different toppings. I love topping mine with cool whip, but chopped up pecans and walnuts are delicious too!
• Fall Spices – You can add in ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for added flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Step 1 – Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9X13 baking pan with parchment paper or foil.

Step 2 – Crush up the graham crackers in a food processor into fine crumbs to make the buttery graham cracker crust.

Step 3 – Mix together the crust ingredients in a large bowl then press the prepared crust into the bottom of the 9 X 13-inch pan.

Step 4 – Next, cream together with a hand mixer on high, the cream cheese and the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 5 – Reduce the speed to medium and add in the eggs, one at a time.  Mix until well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 6 – Spread half of the cheesecake batter mixture onto of the crust in the 9X13 baking pan. This creates the cheesecake layer.

Step 7 – In the bowl add the pumpkin and pumpkin spice with the remaining cream cheese mixture.  

Step 8 – Carefully spread the pumpkin layer on top of the cream cheese mixture in the pan. 

Step 9 – Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until set and slightly firm. Cool at room temperature then place in the fridge. Cut, Serve and Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make the perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars.

• Line Pan – I found it best to line the pan with parchment paper. The cheesecake bars can easily be removed from the pan.
• Use food Processor – The fastest and easiest way to crush up the graham cracker crust is to use a food processor. But if you don’t have a food processor, simply put the graham crackers in a plastic bag and crush up with a rolling pin.
• Press graham crumbs firmly in pan – I like using a measuring cup or yours hand to firmly press in the crust so it doesn’t crumble later.
• Use room temperature cream cheese – You want your cream cheese to be soft so that it can easily beat in a creamy consistency. If you do try and mix it before it is soft then it could cause a lumpy cheesecake and no one has time for that.
• Use room temperature ingredients – It is always best to use room temperature ingredients when baking. Eggs, egg yolk, sour cream these work best when they are at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract – Sometimes I will add in a teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance flavors.

Can you Make these Cheesecake Bars Ahead of Time?

Yes! That is one of the reason why I love these bars. You can completely assemble these bars ahead of time so you can spend your time on other Fall Recipes.

I simply just make them the night before my holiday party gathering and it is ready to go! It makes things so much easier when I know I have the dessert done!