As the leaves start to change and the air gets crisp, it’s time to embrace all things pumpkin. And what better way to do so than with these irresistible pumpkin cream cheese bars? This recipe combines the warm, spicy flavors of pumpkin pie with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s the perfect dessert for any fall occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 215mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Equipment:
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- 2 mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions:
These pumpkin cream cheese bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. They pair well with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of cold milk for the kids.
Variations:
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can substitute the graham cracker crust for a ginger snap crust or a shortbread crust. You can also add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Substitutions:
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of allspice.
- You can use light cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese instead of regular cream cheese for a lighter version.
- If you’re not a fan of pumpkin, you can substitute with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree.
- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener.
Storage:
These pumpkin cream cheese bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating it, otherwise it will be lumpy.
- Press the graham cracker crust firmly into the pan to prevent it from crumbling when you slice the bars.
- Let the bars cool completely before chilling them in the refrigerator, otherwise they may become soggy.
Notes:
This recipe makes 9-12 bars, depending on how large you slice them. You can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for a larger crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can use any type of crust you like, such as a cookie crust or a pastry crust. Just make sure it’s pre-baked before adding the filling.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars up to 2 days ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Final Thoughts:
These pumpkin cream cheese bars are the ultimate fall dessert, with their rich, creamy filling and crunchy graham cracker crust. They’re easy to make, yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or not, these bars are sure to become a new favorite. So why not give them a try and see for yourself?