Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Topping (Optional):

  • Whipped cream
  • Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
  2. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until set. Remove and let it cool while preparing the filling.

3. Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add the sugar and beat until well combined.
  3. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  4. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.

4. Bake:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

5. Chill:

  1. Once cooled, refrigerate the pumpkin cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow them to set.

6. Cut and Serve:

  1. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
  2. Cut into squares and optionally garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
  3. Serve chilled and enjoy!

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a perfect dessert for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving. The combination of the spiced pumpkin filling and creamy cheesecake is sure to be a hit.