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Classic Baked Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust

A close-up of one square pumpkin cheesecake bars slice showing a thick, bright orange topping over a graham cracker crust.
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Make rich, creamy pumpkin cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth.
  4. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has only a slight jiggle.
  7. Cool the bars completely on a wire rack.
  8. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing. This step helps you get clean slices.
  9. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 16 squares before serving.

Notes

  • For the cleanest slices, chill the bars thoroughly before cutting. Use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut.
  • You can substitute gingersnap crumbs for graham crackers for a spicier crust flavor.
  • These are excellent make ahead desserts for fall gatherings.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-bars/