Infuse your kitchen with the festive spirit of fall with these delicious cheesecake pumpkin bars. Combining the creamy texture of cheesecake and the rich, warm flavors of pumpkin spice, these bars are the perfect treat for any autumn gathering. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Most of these ingredients are typical pantry staples, but you might not have pumpkin spice or pumpkin puree on hand. You can find both in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. Pumpkin spice is a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, giving your desserts that signature fall flavor. Pumpkin puree is just cooked and pureed pumpkin - make sure you're getting plain puree, not pumpkin pie filling which has added sweeteners and spices.
Ingredients for Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars
Cream cheese: A soft, mild-tasting cheese with a high fat content. It's commonly used in baking for its smooth and creamy texture.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to recipes.
All purpose flour: A versatile flour used in both the cream cheese topping and the pumpkin base.
Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar used to sweeten the cream cheese topping.
Vanilla extract: Gives a hint of vanilla flavor to both the topping and base.
Kosher salt: A pure, minimally processed salt that enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Unsalted butter: Used in the base for a rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it's unsalted so you can control the salt content.
Pumpkin spice: A blend of warming spices that gives the pumpkin base its fall flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the pumpkin base.
Egg: Binds the ingredients in the pumpkin base together.
Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and a mild pumpkin flavor to the base.
One reader, Giraud Yarbrough says:
These cheesecake pumpkin bars are a delightful fall treat! The creamy cheesecake topping perfectly complements the moist and flavorful pumpkin base. The blend of spices creates a warm and comforting taste. It's a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of pumpkin and cheesecake!
Techniques Required for Making Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars
How to make the cream cheese topping: Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and set aside.
How to make the pumpkin base: Preheat the oven and prepare the pan with parchment. Whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice, and salt. Then, combine the butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree until smooth. Spread the batter into the pan, add the cream cheese topping, and swirl the layers together before baking.
How to swirl the pumpkin batter and cream cheese layers together: Dollop the reserved pumpkin batter on top of the cream cheese layer, then use a butter knife or toothpick to create swirls without overmixing.
How To Make Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars
Unlike other cheesecakes, this gives you a dense and velvety texture and flavor. These cheesecake pumpkin bars are baked from pumpkin puree and batter.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 8ozcream cheese,(1 block)
- 1cupsour cream,at room temperature
- 2tbspall purpose flour
- 2tbspgranulated sugar
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- ¼tspkosher salt
For the Pumpkin Spice Blondie:
- 1cupunsalted butter,(2 sticks) melted, plus more for the pan
- 2½cupsall purpose flour,spooned and leveled
- 2tsppumpkin spice
- 1tspkosher salt
- 1½cupsbrown sugar,packed
- 1large egg
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- 1cuppumpkin puree
Instructions
Cream cheese topping:
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Microwave cream cheese in a medium microwave-safe bowl in 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth but not hot. Whisk in sour cream, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
Pumpkin base:
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9×13-inch pan and line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang.
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In a small bowl, whisk flour, pumpkin spice, and salt until well combined.
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In a separate large bowl, whisk together butter and brown sugar until completely smooth and incorporated, then whisk in egg and vanilla.
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Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Whisk in pumpkin puree and scrape sides of the bowl down again, then fold in flour mixture until no streaks remain.
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Reserving about ½ cup of pumpkin batter, spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Spread cream cheese topping over the pumpkin batter, leaving a ½-inch border.
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Dollop reserved pumpkin batter on top, then use a butter knife or toothpick to swirl pumpkin batter and cream cheese layers together.
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Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs for about 45 minutes.
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Let cool completely in the pan, then cut into bars and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 322.21kcal
- Fat: 19.77g
- Saturated Fat: 11.84g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.90g
- Carbohydrates: 33.02g
- Fiber: 1.03g
- Sugar: 16.28g
- Protein: 3.97g
- Cholesterol: 65.20mg
- Sodium: 216.63mg
- Calcium: 54.81mg
- Potassium: 121.36mg
- Iron: 1.44mg
- Vitamin A: 298.38µg
- Vitamin C: 0.82mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
When making the cream cheese topping, ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to whisk and result in a smoother, creamier texture. If you forget to take it out of the fridge in advance, you can soften it in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause it to separate. Also, when swirling the pumpkin batter and cream cheese layers together, use a light hand. Overmixing can cause the layers to blend together, rather than creating distinct, beautiful swirls.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Plan ahead: Prepare the cream cheese topping and pumpkin base the night before and refrigerate them separately. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the pumpkin spice blondie batter, ensuring a smooth and well-incorporated mixture.
Bake in batches: If your oven space allows, consider baking multiple batches at once to save time and energy.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, organize all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Pre-cut parchment: Pre-cut parchment paper for lining the baking pan to save time and ensure a perfect fit.
Substitute Ingredients For Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars Recipe
cream cheese - Substitute with vegan cream cheese: Vegan cream cheese is a great substitute for regular cream cheese and works well in cheesecake recipes. It has a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a suitable replacement for traditional cream cheese.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, while also adding a boost of protein to the dish.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all purpose flour: For those with gluten sensitivities, using gluten-free all purpose flour can be a suitable substitute in this recipe without compromising the texture or flavor of the dessert.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter in the pumpkin spice blondie. It adds a subtle coconut flavor and helps maintain the moistness of the dessert.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to brown sugar. It has a similar flavor profile and can be used in a 1:1 ratio in the recipe.
pumpkin puree - Substitute with butternut squash puree: Butternut squash puree can be used as a substitute for pumpkin puree, providing a similar sweet and nutty flavor profile. It can be used interchangeably in recipes calling for pumpkin puree.
Presenting Your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Elevate the plating: When presenting the cheesecake pumpkin bars, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a clean, white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dessert to stand out. Consider using a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce to add a touch of sophistication to the plating.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish by garnishing with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cinnamon. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle aromatic element to the overall experience.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a textural element to the presentation by including a small cluster of candied nuts or a delicate tuile alongside the cheesecake pumpkin bars. This adds complexity and interest to each bite, elevating the overall dining experience.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dessert to take center stage. Avoid overcrowding the plate with excessive garnishes or accompaniments, and instead, focus on creating a balanced and visually striking presentation.
Precision in portioning: Pay attention to the precision of portioning the cheesecake pumpkin bars. Each slice should be uniform in size and shape, showcasing attention to detail and culinary expertise. This ensures that each guest receives a consistent and visually appealing serving.
Essential Tools for Making Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars
- Microwave-safe bowl: A bowl that is safe to use in the microwave, allowing for safe and efficient heating or melting of ingredients.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients together to achieve a smooth and uniform mixture.
Storing and Freezing Your Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars
- Once the cheesecake pumpkin bars have cooled completely, cut them into individual servings and place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap
- Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain well-sealed to prevent drying out or absorbing odors from other foods
- If you want to freeze the cheesecake pumpkin bars for later enjoyment, follow these steps:
- Wrap each individual bar tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there are no air pockets
- Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference
- Freeze the bars for up to 2-3 months
- To thaw the frozen cheesecake pumpkin bars, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to defrost overnight
- Once thawed, consume the bars within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor
- Note: Freezing may slightly affect the texture of the cream cheese topping, but the bars will still taste delicious
How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cheesecake pumpkin bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the bars loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out or browning too much. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bars are heated through. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your bars and how cold they were to begin with.
If you prefer a softer, moister texture, you can reheat the cheesecake pumpkin bars in the microwave. Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 15-second intervals, checking the temperature after each interval. Be careful not to overheat the bars, as this can cause the cream cheese topping to become rubbery or grainy.
For a crispy top layer, you can reheat the bars under the broiler. Place the bars on a baking sheet and broil them for 1-2 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the bars are heated through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your cheesecake pumpkin bars. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars in the basket, making sure they aren't touching each other. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the bars are warmed through and the top is slightly crispy.
For a gentler reheating method, you can use a steamer. Place the bars in a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. Cover the pot and steam the bars for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method will help maintain the bars' moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Interesting Trivia About Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars
The pumpkin in the cheesecake pumpkin bars recipe is a rich source of vitamin A, which is essential for good vision and a healthy immune system. Additionally, the cream cheese topping adds a deliciously creamy texture to the bars.
Is Making Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this cheesecake pumpkin bars recipe is quite favorable for a household. The ingredients, including cream cheese, sour cream, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for multiple uses in other recipes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. Overall Verdict: 9.
Are Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pumpkin cheesecake bar recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main culprits are the high amounts of butter, sugar, and cream cheese, which contribute to the dish's high calorie, fat, and sugar content. Additionally, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the nutritional benefits of whole grain flours.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of butter and replace a portion of it with Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce to lower the fat content
- Cut back on the brown sugar and granulated sugar, or substitute them with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream to decrease the overall fat content
- Incorporate more pumpkin puree into the batter, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for a boost of healthy fats and protein
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritious version of these pumpkin cheesecake bars without sacrificing too much on taste and texture. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier ingredients, it's essential to enjoy these treats in sensible portions as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion on These Delightful Pumpkin Bars
The combination of creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin in these bars creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The cream cheese topping adds a rich and tangy element, while the pumpkin base provides a moist and flavorful foundation. The swirls of pumpkin and cream cheese create a visually appealing marbled effect, making these bars a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the classic flavors of cheesecake and pumpkin in a convenient and portable bar form.
Enhance Your Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love These Bars
Appetizers and Main Dishes That Complement Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars
Why trust this Cheesecake Pumpkin Bars Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of pumpkin and cheesecake, creating a luscious and indulgent treat. The combination of cream cheese and sour cream in the topping ensures a rich and creamy texture, while the addition of pumpkin puree infuses the blondie base with warm, seasonal flavors. The careful swirling technique creates a visually stunning marbled effect, showcasing the expertise and attention to detail in this recipe. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these cheesecake pumpkin bars are sure to impress and satisfy any dessert lover.
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