Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars ๐ŸŽƒ๐Ÿฐ

Rich, Cozy, and the Ultimate Fall Dessert

When fall baking season arrives, nothing feels more comforting than Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. They combine the spiced warmth of pumpkin pie with the indulgent richness of classic cheesecakeโ€”all tucked into an easy-to-slice bar format thatโ€™s perfect for sharing.

These bars are everything you want in a seasonal dessert: smooth, creamy filling, cozy pumpkin spice flavor, and a buttery crust that holds it all together. Unlike traditional cheesecake, pumpkin cheesecake bars bake faster, slice cleaner, and travel beautifully, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or make-ahead entertaining.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its texture. The cheesecake layer is luxuriously creamy without being dense, while the pumpkin puree adds moisture, warmth, and subtle sweetness. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering balanced spice and richness without being overwhelming.


Why Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Are a Fall Favorite

This dessert hits all the right notes.

  • Classic fall flavors in an elevated format
  • Creamy cheesecake texture with pumpkin warmth
  • Simple ingredients you can find anywhere
  • Perfect for slicing and sharing
  • Make-ahead friendly for stress-free hosting

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Unsalted butter, melted

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat oven to 325ยฐF (165ยฐC). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the Crust
    Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Pre-Bake the Crust
    Bake crust for 8โ€“10 minutes until lightly set. Remove and let cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
    Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugars and mix until creamy.
  5. Add Pumpkin & Flavoring
    Mix in pumpkin puree, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until fully incorporated.
  6. Add Eggs
    Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Bake the Cheesecake Bars
    Pour filling over crust and smooth the top. Bake for 40โ€“45 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.
  8. Cool & Chill
    Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.

Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Smooth pumpkin-spiced cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
Filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325ยฐF (165ยฐC) and line baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix crust ingredients and press into pan. Pre-bake until set.
  3. Beat cream cheese and sugars until smooth.
  4. Mix in pumpkin, spices, and vanilla.
  5. Add eggs and mix just until combined.
  6. Pour filling over crust and bake until set.
  7. Cool completely, then chill before slicing.

Notes

Chill fully for best texture and clean slices.

Pro Tips for Ultra-Creamy Bars

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth texture
  • Do not overmix once eggs are added
  • Bake low and slow to avoid cracks
  • Chill fully for clean slices

Flavor Variations

Switch things up while keeping that fall vibe.

  • Gingersnap Crust: Swap graham crackers for gingersnaps
  • Swirl Style: Add a vanilla cheesecake swirl before baking
  • Extra Spice: Increase pumpkin spice for bold flavor
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted dark chocolate on top

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars:

  • Chilled with whipped cream
  • With a dusting of powdered sugar
  • Alongside coffee or chai
  • As part of a Thanksgiving dessert spread

Theyโ€™re rich enough to impress yet approachable enough for everyday fall cravings.


Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

These bars store beautifully.

  • Refrigerate up to 5 days
  • Freeze sliced bars up to 2 months
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture

Why Pumpkin Works So Well in Cheesecake

Pumpkin puree adds natural moisture and subtle sweetness, preventing cheesecake from becoming too dense while enhancing that signature autumn flavor everyone loves.


Final Thoughts

Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fall dessertโ€”smooth, spiced, and irresistibly rich. Whether youโ€™re baking for a holiday crowd or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers every time.

Once you make them, theyโ€™ll become a fall tradition.

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