As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, it’s time to indulge in all things pumpkin. And what better way to celebrate the season than with these easy pumpkin cheesecake bites? Perfectly portioned and bursting with creamy, spiced goodness, they’re the ultimate treat for any autumn occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, and beat until well combined. Add the egg and beat until just incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature.
- Cut the cheesecake into small bite-sized squares and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 bite-sized square
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total carbohydrate: 9g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Total sugars: 7g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
25-30 minutes
Equipment:
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Knife
Serving Suggestions:
For an extra festive touch, top each cheesecake bite with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve with a hot cup of pumpkin spice coffee or tea for the ultimate fall treat.
Variations:
For a gluten-free version, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free oats. You can also experiment with different spices, such as allspice, cardamom, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have canned pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute it with mashed sweet potato or butternut squash. You can also use any type of cookie crumbs for the crust, such as vanilla wafers or ginger snaps.
Storage:
Keep leftover cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before beating it, or you’ll end up with lumps in your cheesecake mixture.
- Don’t overbake the cheesecake, or it will become dry and crumbly.
- For easy removal from the pan, line it with parchment paper before adding the crust and cheesecake mixture.
- If you want a thicker crust, double the graham cracker crumb recipe and use a 9-inch pan instead of an 8-inch.
Notes:
These pumpkin cheesecake bites are perfect for entertaining, as they can be made ahead of time and easily transported. They’re also a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree from other fall recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Can I use a different type of crust?
- Can I freeze the cheesecake bites?
Yes, but you’ll need to roast and puree the pumpkin first. It’s also important to note that fresh pumpkin has a higher water content than canned pumpkin, so your cheesecake bites may turn out slightly more moist.
Yes, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and creaminess of the cheesecake bites.
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cookie crumbs or even make a crust from ground nuts or seeds.
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Final Thoughts:
These easy pumpkin cheesecake bites are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. They’re simple to make, deliciously creamy, and packed with warming spices that will have you feeling cozy in no time. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a festive treat to enjoy with your family, these bites are sure to be a hit. So go ahead and give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!