Dreamy Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Fall’s favorite dessert meets creamy cheesecake in these delectable pumpkin pie cheesecake bars that promise pure autumn bliss.

Warm spices dance through each delightful bite, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors.

Layers of smooth cream cheese and rich pumpkin custard intertwine beneath a buttery graham cracker crust.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg whisper memories of cozy kitchen moments.

Perfectly balanced between decadent and light, these bars will become your new seasonal obsession.

Whip up this simple yet impressive treat that turns an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of comfort and sweetness.

Dive in and savor every single crumb, your taste buds are in for an unforgettable experience.

Cheesecake Bars That Blend Pumpkin and Pie Just Right

• Elevate Comfort Dessert: Transform traditional pumpkin pie into decadent cheesecake bars that offer a luxurious twist on classic flavors.
• Master Gourmet Techniques: Learn professional-level baking skills through a multi-layered dessert that combines meringue, cheesecake, and pumpkin elements with precision.
• Perfect for Seasonal Celebrations: Create a showstopping dessert that captures autumn's warmth and brings festive spirit to gatherings, impressing family and friends with complex yet delightful treat.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple garnishing and personalization, making it versatile for different preferences and skill levels.

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars Ingredient List

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic sweet base for the bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth consistency.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
• Eggs: Helps set the cheesecake layer.

• Egg Yolks: Adds richness and helps thicken the mixture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Provides classic pumpkin flavor and color.
• Brown Sugar: Offers deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth consistency.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon: Adds warm, traditional pumpkin pie flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor profile.
• Gelatin: Helps set the pumpkin layer.

• Egg Whites: Creates light and fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites.

• Whipped Cream, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds final touch of flavor and decoration.

Making Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars at Home

Step 1: Create the Tasty Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Press this delicious mixture firmly into a foil-lined 8×8-inch baking pan, creating a solid foundation for your dessert.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Gently incorporate eggs one at a time. Pour this luxurious mixture over your prepared crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the layer sets perfectly. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Craft the Pumpkin Spice Mixture

• Egg yolks
• Pumpkin puree
• Brown sugar
• Milk
• Salt
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon

Stir continuously over medium heat for 10 minutes, ensuring the mixture reaches 160°F. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Step 4: Activate the Gelatin Magic

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for a minute. Microwave for 30 seconds, then blend into the pumpkin mixture.

Step 5: Create Fluffy Meringue

• Egg whites
• Sugar
• Cream of tartar

Beat on high for 7-9 minutes until peaks become stiff and glossy. Gently fold into the pumpkin mixture.

Step 6: Assemble and Chill

Pour the pumpkin meringue layer over the cheesecake base. Refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour, then cover and chill for 3 more hours until firm.

Step 7: Serve and Delight

Slice into beautiful bars. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy your spectacular dessert!

Cheesecake Bar Tips That Swirl Pumpkin Just Right

• Prevent Cracking Cheesecake: Avoid overbaking by removing the cheesecake layer when it's slightly jiggly in the center, ensuring a smooth, crack-free surface.
• Boost Crust Stability: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, creating a compact base that holds together when cutting bars.
• Smooth Pumpkin Layer Technique: Strain the pumpkin mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps, resulting in a silky-smooth texture.
• Temperature Control for Gelatin: Ensure gelatin dissolves completely by using lukewarm liquid and stirring thoroughly to prevent clumping in the pumpkin layer.
• Whip Meringue to Perfection: Use clean, dry utensils and room-temperature egg whites for maximum volume and stability when creating the meringue topping.

Store Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for Later

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let chilled bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. Enjoy cold or slightly warmed for a creamy texture.
• Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain their delicate texture and prevent becoming rubbery.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Flavor Friends

• Harmonize Flavor Profiles: Pair this pumpkin pie cheesecake bar with a crisp Riesling or sparkling moscato that complements its creamy sweetness and cuts through the rich texture.
• Craft Complementary Beverages: Serve alongside a warm chai latte or spiced apple cider to enhance the autumnal pumpkin and cinnamon notes, creating a cozy tasting experience.
• Elevate Dessert Accompaniments: Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or bourbon-infused whipped cream to add depth and contrast to the delicate cheesecake and pumpkin layers.
• Balance Taste Sensations: Offer a small side of candied pecans or toasted walnuts to provide a crunchy texture that contrasts with the smooth, silky cheesecake bar.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar Variants

• Gluten-Free Crust Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut milk instead of regular milk to create a vegan-friendly cheesecake bar.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia and use sugar-free pumpkin puree to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Modification: Use a nut-based crust like crushed pecans mixed with melted butter, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate almond flour to lower carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

The recipe requires some technical skills like making a meringue and handling gelatin, but with careful attention to instructions, home bakers can successfully create these delicious bars.

• What special ingredients do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need specific ingredients like cream of tartar, gelatin, pumpkin pie spice, and fresh eggs to create the layered texture and flavor of these cheesecake bars.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are perfect for advance preparation. You can make them a day before serving, as they require several hours of chilling time in the refrigerator.

• Do I need any special kitchen equipment?

You’ll want a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl for making meringue, an 8×8-inch baking pan, a mixer, and a reliable thermometer to check temperatures during cooking.

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky pumpkin pie cheesecake bars blend autumn’s warmth with creamy indulgence. Layered with rich spices and a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars promise a delightful seasonal escape you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) butter, melted

Sweeteners:

• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) sugar

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by combining crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a foil-lined 8×8-inch baking pan, creating an even base.
2. Whip cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla into a silky smooth mixture. Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring a uniform texture. Pour the luxurious cheesecake batter over the prepared crust and bake until the center sets slightly.
3. Create a rich pumpkin custard by whisking egg yolks with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, milk, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until it reaches a precise temperature of 160°F. Remove from heat and infuse with vanilla essence.
4. Activate gelatin by sprinkling it over cold water, allowing it to bloom for a moment. Quickly heat in the microwave and fold into the warm pumpkin mixture, creating a stabilized filling.
5. Construct a glossy meringue by combining egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in a double boiler. Whip vigorously until the mixture forms stiff, shiny peaks that hold their shape dramatically.
6. Delicately fold the meringue into the pumpkin mixture, creating a light and airy texture. Gently pour this ethereal layer over the chilled cheesecake base, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Refrigerate the dessert initially uncovered for one hour, then seal and continue chilling for an additional three hours until completely set and firm.
8. Slice into elegant bars, crown with billowy whipped cream, and dust with a final sprinkle of warming pumpkin pie spice before serving.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat milk to create a lighter version without compromising rich flavor.
• Stabilize meringue by ensuring completely clean, dry mixing bowl and avoiding any yolk contamination during egg white separation.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and coconut milk instead of regular milk.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2.5 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg