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pumpkin spice cheesecake bars 1

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

These pumpkin spice cheesecake bars combine creamy cheesecake, velvety pumpkin filling, and a spiced graham crust for a festive, easy fall dessert that slices beautifully and tastes incredible.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 16 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • cups graham cracker crumbs or gingersnap crumbs for extra spice
  • 6 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Batter
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Spice Layer
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk

Equipment

  • 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small saucepan (if melting butter on the stove)

Method
 

Prepare the Spiced Graham Cracker Crust
  1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until well-coated and sandy. Press firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
  2. A well-packed crust prevents crumbling and gives the bars a beautiful foundation.
Make the Cheesecake Layer
  1. Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Avoid over-mixing—too much air can cause cracks.
Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Mixture
  1. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, brown sugar, egg, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and cream until silky. This layer should be pourable but not runny.
Layer and Swirl
  1. Spread most of the pumpkin mixture over the cooled crust. Dollop spoonfuls of cheesecake batter on top, then alternate with small dollops of the remaining pumpkin mixture. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the two together for a marbled look.
Bake Until Set
  1. Bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Cool completely on the counter, then refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours to achieve clean slices.
Slice and Serve
  1. Use a sharp knife to cut into neat squares. Wipe the knife between slices for crisp edges.