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Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

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These creamy pumpkin cheesecake bars combine the best of pumpkin pie and cheesecake with a simple crust, perfect for a quick and festive Thanksgiving dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 16 ounces (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crust evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Gradually add ¾ cup sugar, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, scraping down sides as needed.
  6. Lower mixer speed and add pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until just combined without overbeating.
  7. Pour filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center is mostly set but slightly jiggly. Start checking at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  9. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  10. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan and cut into 12 squares. Wipe knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the filling to prevent cracks. Chill bars overnight for best texture. Variations include gluten-free crust with almond flour, vegan substitutions, and adding pecan streusel topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake bars, pumpkin dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, creamy pumpkin bars, easy pumpkin cheesecake

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-pumpkin-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-for-thanksgiving-bliss/