Prepare to have your taste buds blown away by the ultimate in decadence and indulgence – Velvet Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars! This epic creation is a symphony of flavors, blending the warm, comforting notes of pumpkin spice with the rich, velvety goodness of cheesecake. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise and experience the pure bliss that comes with every bite of this sensational dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Velvet Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Pumpkin spice season just got a whole lot more exciting with these Velvet Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars! Imagine the smooth, creamy texture of cheesecake infused with the aromatic blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and other warm spices. These bars are an absolute game-changer, taking the classic pumpkin cheesecake to new heights of flavor and indulgence. Prepare to be blown away by the incredible depth of flavors, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the pure decadence that will leave you craving more. Get ready to experience a thrilling food adventure that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Ingredients
Get ready to assemble the ultimate flavor dream team! You’ll need a delicious blend of cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and a few key spices to create the velvety pumpkin spice cheesecake filling. For the crust, we’ll be using a combination of graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a touch of sugar to achieve the perfect buttery base. Gather these easy-to-find ingredients, and let’s get started on transforming your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
- 24 ounces (680g) – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) – Pumpkin puree
- 1 cup (200g) – Granulated sugar
- 3 large – Eggs
- 1 teaspoon – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon – Ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon – Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon – Ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) – Graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons (85g) – Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) – Granulated sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
- Graham Cracker Crust: Use crushed gluten-free cookies or a nutty crust made with ground almonds or pecans for a gluten-free version.
- Cream Cheese: Replace with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use a flax or chia egg substitute for the eggs to make this a vegan-friendly recipe.
How to Make Velvet Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Let’s dive in and transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with these Velvet Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help you easily remove the bars later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Press the crust mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, going up the sides about 1 inch. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree, 1 cup of sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Beat the mixture until it’s well combined and silky smooth.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pumpkin spice cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is almost set. The bars may still have a slight jiggle in the center when done. Turn off the oven, keep the door slightly ajar, and let the bars cool in the oven for 1 hour.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Caramel Drizzle: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle some homemade caramel sauce over the cooled bars.
- Pecan Topping: Sprinkle some chopped pecans over the top of the bars for a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate Swirl: Melt some dark chocolate and swirl it into the pumpkin spice filling for a decadent chocolate-pumpkin flavor combination.
- Spice Blend Variations: Experiment with different spice blends, such as adding a touch of ground ginger or nutmeg for a unique twist on the classic pumpkin spice.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A dollop of homemade whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage: Store the Velvet Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheat: These bars are best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge, but you can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if desired.
Make-Ahead: You can make these bars up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They’re the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion!
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of these Velvet Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on the nutrition front. Each serving provides a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, protein, and a touch of healthy fats, making this dessert a delicious way to treat yourself without completely derailing your diet. So go ahead, dive in and savor every incredible bite, knowing that you’re enjoying a dessert that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your body.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 34 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure to use a high-quality, pure pumpkin puree without any added spices or sweeteners.
How long do these bars need to chill before serving?
For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to chill the Velvet Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the bars to set up properly.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert! You can prepare the bars up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They also freeze very well for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the fridge before serving.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the center is almost set, with a slight jiggle. The outer edges should be set, while the center may still be a bit soft. This ensures a rich, creamy texture once the bars have chilled completely.
Print
Irresistible Velvet Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and spiced flavors of these Velvet Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup pumpkin puree
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
5. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, and spices; mix until well combined.
6. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
8. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
9. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
These bars can be topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pumpkin, cheesecake, dessert, fall