Buckle up, food lovers, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a wild ride with these Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Nutty Crust! Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have you craving more with every bite. This epic fusion of autumnal spices, creamy pumpkin, and a decadent cheesecake filling is about to become your new favorite dessert. Let’s dive in and transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Nutty Crust
Are you tired of boring, predictable desserts? Well, hold onto your forks, because these Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are about to change the game. This insane recipe combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with the rich, creamy indulgence of cheesecake, all nestled in a nutty, buttery crust. Prepare to be blown away by the explosion of flavors that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Get ready to become the ultimate food hero when you serve up these sensational bars – your friends and family will be begging for the recipe!
Ingredients
Get ready to gather some incredible ingredients that will take your taste buds on an epic culinary adventure. You’ll need a few pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, as well as some seasonal stars like pumpkin puree, honey, and a medley of warm spices. The nutty crust is made with a blend of ground nuts, butter, and a touch of sweetness. Prepare to create a dessert that’s so mind-blowingly delicious, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- 2 cups (250g) – All-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) – Granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240g) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (150g) – Roasted and salted mixed nuts, finely chopped
- 1 (15oz/425g) can – Pumpkin puree
- 4 large – Eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) – Honey, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tsp – Ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp – Ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp – Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp – Ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp – Ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp – Salt
- 16 oz (450g) – Cream cheese, softened
Ingredient Substitutions
- Nuts in the Crust: You can swap out the mixed nuts for your favorite variety, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds (they all work beautifully in this nutty crust!)
- Spices: If you’re not a fan of one of the spices in the filling, feel free to adjust the blend to suit your taste. A touch of cardamom or even a pinch of cayenne would also be a delicious addition.
How to Make Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Nutty Crust
Alright, let’s get this party started! First, we’ll prepare the epic nutty crust that will serve as the foundation for these insane bars. Next, we’ll whip up the incredibly smooth and creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, infusing it with a symphony of warm spices and a drizzle of sweet honey. Then, we’ll bake these bad boys to perfection and top them off with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Step 1: Prepare the Nutty Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides for easy removal later. In a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the chopped nuts and pulse a few more times until well combined. Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, honey, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt. Beat on medium speed until well combined and the filling is smooth and creamy. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set. The edges should be lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 5 days).
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and drizzle with additional honey, if desired. Sprinkle with a few extra chopped nuts for a beautiful, crave-worthy presentation. Serve and enjoy these mind-blowingly delicious Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Swap the Pumpkin: Instead of pumpkin, you can use sweet potato or butternut squash puree for a different twist on the filling.
- Add a Streusel Topping: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, try adding a crunchy streusel topping made with flour, brown sugar, butter, and more chopped nuts.
- Pumpkin Spice Variation: Amp up the autumnal vibes by using a premade pumpkin spice blend in place of the individual spices.
- Spiced Caramel Drizzle: Take these bars to the next level by drizzling them with a homemade spiced caramel sauce.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans.
Storage: These Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheat: If desired, you can gently reheat individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften the bars.
Make-Ahead: These bars can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the ultimate flavor experience with these Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, guilt-free! While they may be decadent, they’re also packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like pumpkin, spices, and nuts. Each serving provides a satisfying dose of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. So go ahead and treat yourself – these bars are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while nourishing your body.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in the crust?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Just make sure to finely chop them so they blend seamlessly into the crust.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert! You can prepare them up to 5 days in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the center is almost set and the edges are lightly golden. You can also give the pan a gentle shake – if the center still has a slight jiggle, it’s done.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What’s the best way to slice these bars?
For clean, perfect slices, make sure the bars are completely chilled before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the best results.
Try These Next
- Pumpkin Spice Bacon Cheesecake Bites With Maple Drizzle
- Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bites With Spiced Apple Swirl
- Spicy Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip With Cinnamon Chips
Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Nutty Crust
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: 🍰 SWEET HEAT FUSION
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Nutty Crust are a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for fall!
Ingredients
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup sugar
2 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 cup whipped cream for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.
3. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped walnuts, melted butter, and honey. Mix until well combined.
4.
5. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish to form the crust.
6.
7. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
8.
9. Add the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Beat until well combined.
10.
11. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
12.
13. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set.
14.
15. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
16.
17. Serve with whipped cream on top.
Notes
For added flavor, you can top the cheesecake bars with chopped candied pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheesecake, pumpkin, dessert, fall