How to Make Irresistible Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars from Scratch

Craving a dessert that’s both creamy and full of fall flavor? These pumpkin cheesecake bars are the perfect balance of rich cheesecake and spiced pumpkin—irresistible from the first bite.

I made them for a fall gathering, and they were gone in a flash! The creamy cheesecake layer pairs perfectly with the pumpkin filling, and the crust adds just the right crunch.

These bars are perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or whenever you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat. And yes, they’re made completely from scratch—easy and so worth it!

Ready to impress with the ultimate fall dessert? Let’s dive into this recipe and make some irresistible pumpkin cheesecake bars together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fan Favorite: These bars bring together the richness of cheesecake and the cozy flavors of pumpkin, making them a go-to dessert when you need to impress.
• Creamy and Dreamy: The filling is perfectly smooth, with just the right amount of pumpkin spice.
• Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and a straightforward baking process, these bars come together quickly.
• Perfect for Fall: The combination of pumpkin and spices makes these bars a warm, comforting dessert for crisp autumn days.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be made a day or two in advance, perfect for busy holiday preparations.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:

This recipe makes about 12 bars, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Want more? Simply double the recipe and bake in a larger pan.

Difficulty:

Easy enough for beginners, yet rewarding for experienced bakers. You’ll be able to make this dessert with confidence, even if you’re new to baking.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:

• 9×9-inch Baking Pan (or 8×8-inch for thicker bars)
• Parchment Paper (for easy removal of bars)
• Mixer (stand or handheld) for the creamy filling
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Spatula for spreading the filling evenly
• Large Mixing Bowls

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

These bars are made with simple ingredients that create the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to make the crust and filling:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3 packages (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature

Variations for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

• Swap the Crust: Try using a different type of cookie for the crust, such as ginger snap cookies or vanilla wafers, for a twist on the flavor.
• Add a Topping: After baking, top your bars with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Make It Chocolate: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the crust and the filling, or fold in chocolate chips for a pumpkin-chocolate combo.
• Add Extra Spices: For a bolder flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the filling.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream in place of sour cream for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

While the crust is cooling, it’s time to make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and sour cream, mixing until everything is well combined. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Once the eggs are incorporated, stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and flour until fully blended.

3. Assemble the Bars

Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure the filling is smooth.

4. Bake the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The bars will firm up as they cool.

Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the bars in the oven for another 10 minutes with the door slightly ajar to prevent cracking.

Serving and Decoration

Once your pumpkin cheesecake bars have cooled completely (about 1 hour at room temperature), it’s time to remove them from the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.

Serving Suggestions: These pumpkin cheesecake bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further with a few simple toppings:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich cheesecake.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for a sweet, buttery finish.
• Chopped Nuts: Add some crunch by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Lightly dust with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra burst of spice.
• Candied Ginger: For a unique twist, sprinkle some finely chopped candied ginger over the top.

These bars also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, apple cider, or even a spiced chai latte. Serve them at your next holiday gathering or as an afternoon treat with friends!

Storing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Refrigerating Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers (though they’re sure to be eaten quickly!), store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor only improves as they sit, so feel free to make them a day or two in advance!

Freezing:
You can also freeze these bars to enjoy later. Just cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let them sit in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate better, preventing lumps in the filling.
2. Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause the filling to become too airy and may lead to cracks as it bakes.
3. Prevent Cracking: If you’re concerned about cracks, try baking the bars at a lower temperature (300°F / 150°C) and allowing them to cool gradually in the oven as mentioned.
4. Check Doneness: The bars should be mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center. Don’t overbake them, or they might dry out.
5. Chill Before Cutting: If possible, refrigerate the bars for a few hours before cutting. This will help them hold their shape better and give the flavors time to meld.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Total Fat	23g
Saturated Fat	13g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	190mg
Total Carbohydrates	30g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	19g
Protein	5g

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars FAQs

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Yes! You can use any cookie crust you like—ginger snaps or vanilla wafers would also work beautifully with the pumpkin filling.

Q: How can I avoid cracks in the bars?
A: Make sure to bake the bars at a lower temperature and let them cool gradually in the oven to prevent cracking.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a true crowd-pleaser and a perfect dessert for fall gatherings. With their smooth, creamy texture and deliciously spiced flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or simply craving a cozy autumn treat, these bars are a simple yet impressive choice. Enjoy every bite!