Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

These creamy and decadent Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are perfect for any seasonal occasion, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. A crunchy, buttery crust, fudgy brownie layered with a creamy and smooth pumpkin layer makes these bars an absolute hit.

About This Recipe

• These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars contain three separate recipe components: the Base crust, the brownie layer and the top pumpkin cheesecake layer.
• The Crust is a regular cheesecake crust which contains Graham Cracker Crumb, Butter, Brown sugar, and spice.
• The Brownie layer is rich and moist, containing Cocoa Powder and Chocolate Chips, which every rich and fudgy brownie requires.
• I always include a teaspoon of Espresso Powder in my brownie recipe. The coffee flavour in this ingredient enhances the chocolate and coffee flavour.
• This layer contains Brown Sugar, which adds flavour and moisture to the recipe.
• We also need Cornstarch to fluff up the brownie batter. Cornstarch creates a tender and airy crumb.
• We also need Eggs, Vanilla extract, and All-purpose Flour. Needless to say, we use eggs and vanilla extract, but it's good to talk about the AP flour. Flour adds structure and volume to the brownie recipe, but too much flour will make it too cakey and dry.

• The Pumpkin Cheesecake layer is also straightforward and comes together very quickly.
• This part of the recipe calls for room temperature Cream Cheese, and I recommend leaving it out of the fridge a couple of hours before using.
• The other ingredients, including Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla extract, are simple and easy to prepare.
• One thing I would like to talk about is the Pumpkin Puree. For any recipe that calls for pumpkin puree, use the puree, not the pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin Pie filling contains extra additives and sugar, which is unsuitable for this recipe.
• What is a pumpkin recipe with a good blend of Pumpkin Pie Spice? You can use the store-bought pumpkin pie spice or make it yourself. Get the recipe from this post. Spice Blends.

How To Make These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

The Crust;

• Crumb the Graham Crackers to a soft and sandy texture. Note: you can use other kinds of dry cookies, such as Biscoff.
• Melt the butter and add to the crumb.
• Mix in brown sugar and cinnamon and mix well.
• Spread the mixture at the bottom of the lined pan evenly and press it down with the bottom of a measuring cup.
• Bake the crust for 10 minutes and let it cool down, then move on to the next layer.

The Brownie Layer;

• Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a saucepan and melt them over medium heat. Stir it constantly to prevent it from burning. Set it aside to cool down.
• Using the whisk attachment, beat the eggs, vanilla extract, and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is homogenous, smooth and double the size.
• Mix in the chocolate and butter mixture and mix well.
• Sift all dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add them to the egg batter. Gently fold everything together. Stop mixing when there is no trace of dry ingredients.
• Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for only 10 minutes.
• Move on to making the pumpkin batter.

The Pumpkin Batter;

• Preparing the pumpkin batter can not be easier.
• Beat the room-temperature cream cheese until it is smooth and lump-free.
• Add the Granulated sugar and mix.
• Remove the bowl from the mixer, using a spatula; add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each one.
• Add the pumpkin puree and spices and mix well.
• Use a measuring cup, scoop the pumpkin batter over the brownie batter and smooth it out with a spatula.
• Bake the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars until the edges are set, but the center will be a bit jiggly.
• Let it cool down in the pan for an hour, then transfer it to the fridge.
• Melt the topping chocolate, pour it into a piping bag and decorate the top of the cheesecake bars.
• Let the chocolate set slightly, then cut the Pumpkin Cheesecake into squares.
• Please note: Do not let the chocolate harden fully because it will break when it is hard.

See more related posts here;

Berry Crumble Bars,

Chocolate Pecan Bars,

Apple Crisp Caramel Bars

📖 Recipe