Fall is officially here, and that means it’s time to indulge in all things pumpkin spice! If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to satisfy your pumpkin cravings, look no further than these delicious Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/3 cup melted butter
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking pan to form the crust.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking pan.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
8. Once chilled, cut into bars and serve.
**Nutrition Information:**
– Serving size: 1 bar
– Calories: 250
– Total Fat: 15g
– Saturated Fat: 8g
– Cholesterol: 60mg
– Sodium: 200mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 25g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 18g
– Protein: 4g
**Popular questions:**
1. Can I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs instead of making my own?
– Yes, store-bought graham cracker crumbs can be used as a time-saving alternative.
2. Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with butternut squash puree?
– Yes, butternut squash puree can be used as a substitute for pumpkin puree.
3. Are there any gluten-free options for the crust?
– You can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a gluten-free crust.
4. Can I freeze these cheesecake bars for later?
– Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
– Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the texture may be slightly different.
6. Can I add a caramel drizzle on top of these bars?
– Yes, a caramel drizzle would be a delicious addition to these bars.
7. How long do these bars last in the refrigerator?
– These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
8. Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
– Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and chilled until serving.
9. Can I use a different spice blend instead of pumpkin pie spice?
– You can experiment with other spice blends like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a different flavor profile.
10. Can I add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each bar before serving?
– Yes, a dollop of whipped cream would be a delicious garnish for these bars.
**Helpful tips:**
1. For a more pronounced pumpkin flavor, increase the amount of pumpkin puree.
2. To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter.
3. Let the bars cool completely before refrigerating to ensure they set properly.
4. Dust the bars with additional pumpkin pie spice before serving for a decorative touch.
5. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert pairing.
6. Experiment with different crust variations like ginger snaps or cinnamon cookies.
7. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars for a decadent finish.
8. Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
9. Serve the bars with a side of caramel sauce for a sweet and indulgent treat.
10. Customize the spice blend to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of pumpkin pie spice.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth and creamy cheesecake batter.
2. Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracking on the surface of the cheesecake.
3. Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the cheesecake batter for a warm and aromatic flavor.
4. Create a marbled effect by swirling in additional pumpkin puree before baking.
5. Sprinkle crushed pecans on top of the bars for a crunchy texture contrast.
6. For a festive touch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the bars before serving.
7. Top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a classic dessert presentation.
8. Experiment with different flavored extracts like almond or maple for a unique twist.
9. Add a layer of spiced whipped cream on top of the bars for an extra burst of flavor.
10. Serve these bars as a Thanksgiving dessert for a delicious and seasonal treat.
