Description
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate quick dessert for the holidays, combining the richness of cheesecake with the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. They’re perfect for easy Thanksgiving desserts, cheap fall recipes, or when you need budget-friendly holiday food ideas. With a buttery graham cracker crust and swirls of pumpkin and cream cheese, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleasing favorite for your next holiday gathering or potluck.
Ingredients
1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the dish to form the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool slightly.
3. Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
4. Pour two-thirds of the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
5. In another bowl, mix the remaining cheesecake mixture with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
6. Spoon the pumpkin layer over the cheesecake layer. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
8. Cool completely at room temperature. Then chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
9. Slice into bars and dust with cinnamon before serving.
Notes
Make sure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing for the smoothest texture.
Use a hot knife for clean slices—dip in hot water and wipe between cuts.
Bars taste even better the next day after the flavors settle in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin bars, cheesecake bars, fall recipes, cheap desserts