Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

May 20, 2025 Todd Recipes, Dessert Recipes Comments Off on Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars

🍂 If you can’t decide between pumpkin pie and cheesecake, why not have both? These Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars are creamy, spiced, and layered over a buttery graham cracker crust. They’re everything you love about fall desserts—cut into neat, shareable squares.

Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just want to spice up a cozy weekend in, this recipe is easy to make and even easier to devour. Bonus: they slice beautifully and pack well for gifting or potlucks!

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🎃 Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 6 tbsp melted butter

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9×9 pan with parchment.
  2. Mix graham crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter until combined.
  3. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Beat until fully incorporated.
  3. Pour over cooled crust and spread evenly.

Step 3: Bake & Chill

  1. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until center is just set.
  2. Cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Cut into squares. Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or chopped pecans if desired.

✨ Why You’ll Love These Bars

  • ✅ Classic fall flavor in every bite
  • ✅ Easier than making a full cheesecake
  • ✅ Great for make-ahead holidays
  • ✅ Perfect portions for sharing or gifting

🍁 Flavor Variations

  • Gingersnap Crust: Swap graham crackers for gingersnap crumbs for a spicier base
  • Salted Caramel Drizzle: Top each bar with warm caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt
  • Nutty Crunch: Add crushed pecans or walnuts into the crust or on top before baking
  • Swirl Variation: Reserve a bit of plain cheesecake batter and swirl it on top for visual flair

📦 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Keep chilled in an airtight container for up to 5 days
  • Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw in fridge overnight
  • Slice before freezing for quick grab-and-serve treats

📌 Related YesWeCoupon Desserts

💬 Reader Reviews

“These bars were gone before the turkey hit the table. So creamy, so spiced, and the crust is perfect!” – Hailey S.

“New favorite fall dessert! Way easier than pie and just as good.” – Jaden M.

🎃 How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars Like a Pro

These bars are already crowd-pleasers, but if you’re hosting guests or serving at an event, a little extra styling goes a long way:

🍽️ Plated Dessert Style

Serve each square on a dessert plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed gingersnap cookie crumbs. Add a small swirl of whipped cream or crème fraîche on top, garnished with a cinnamon stick or candied pecan.

🍁 Mini Dessert Trays

Cut your bars into bite-size pieces (1-inch squares) and place them in mini cupcake liners. Arrange on a seasonal dessert board with other fall-themed treats like pumpkin spice cookies, mini tarts, or apple pie bites.

🧁 Cheesecake Bar Cups

Layer crumbled bars into mini parfait glasses with whipped cream and crushed pecans. Add a spoon and you’ve got a no-fuss, elegant plated dessert great for showers or brunches.

🥧 Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars for the Holidays

These bars are ideal for:

  • 🦃 Thanksgiving dessert tables

  • 🎄 Friendsgiving potlucks

  • 🎁 Holiday cookie exchanges

  • 🍎 Autumn birthday parties

  • 🧺 Fall farmer’s market boxes

They’re less fussy than a pie, can be made ahead, and don’t require forks or plates if you serve them chilled. That makes them perfect for serving large groups without the stress of reheating.

Make them even more festive by adding:

  • Gold leaf flakes or edible glitter

  • A piped dollop of maple whipped cream

  • Spiced nut topping or pumpkin seed brittle

  • Maple drizzle or white chocolate curls

🌾 Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options

Yes, you can make these for guests with food sensitivities:

Gluten-Free

  • Use certified gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust

  • Ensure all spices and canned pumpkin are gluten-free labeled

Dairy-Free

  • Use dairy-free cream cheese (like Kite Hill or Tofutti)

  • Replace butter with plant-based margarine

  • Use coconut cream or dairy-free sour cream in the filling

The result? Bars that still taste creamy, spiced, and indulgent—even without traditional ingredients.

🔁 Smart Storage + Leftover Hacks

Don’t let any leftovers go to waste! Here’s how to store them—and reuse creatively:

Fridge Storage

  • Keep tightly sealed for up to 5 days

  • Place parchment between layers if stacking

Freezer Storage

  • Freeze in a single layer, then stack in bags

  • Thaw in fridge 6–8 hours before serving

Creative Leftovers:

  • Crumble into yogurt or oatmeal for a fall breakfast parfait

  • Chop into cubes and layer into trifles

  • Fold into whipped cream cheese for a fall-themed bagel spread

  • Serve warmed with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a cozy dessert