Autumn baking is my favorite, and I know you feel the same way! There’s something so comforting about pumpkin recipes as the leaves change. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic pumpkin cheesecake bar recipes that are easy to make and perfect for any fall gathering.
You’ll find options for a spiced gingersnap base or a classic graham cracker swirl. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward, so you can enjoy creating these treats in your kitchen. Let’s get baking!
Jump to Recipe:
Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake Bars for Fall
These pumpkin gingersnap cheesecake bars are a delicious treat for any autumn gathering. The warm spice of gingersnap pairs perfectly with creamy pumpkin for a truly comforting dessert.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Gingersnap Crust: Use good quality gingersnap cookies for the best spiced base. Crush them finely so the crust holds together well.
- Room Temp Cream Cheese: Always make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps avoid lumps, making your cheesecake filling smooth and creamy.
What You Need
- 1 ½ cups crushed gingersnap cookies (about 25 cookies)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 16 bars
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, mix the crushed gingersnap cookies with melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Filling & Bake
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just combined. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
📝 Final Note
These bars taste even better after chilling in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight. They firm up beautifully and the flavors blend together perfectly. Slice with a warm, clean knife for neat portions.
Easy Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
These pumpkin swirl cheesecake bars look fancy but are simple to make. You get a lovely mix of classic cheesecake and a ribbon of rich pumpkin flavor in every bite, all on a simple graham cracker crust.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Graham Cracker Base: A simple graham cracker crust works great here. You can even use store-bought crumbs to save a little time, just be sure to mix with melted butter.
- Swirl Technique: For the beautiful swirl, don’t overmix. Just a few gentle passes with a butter knife or a skewer through the pumpkin dots will give you a lovely pattern.
What You Need
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⏱️ Time: 1 hour 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 18 bars
How to Make It
Step 1: Create Crust & Base Filling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For the crust, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press this into a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 minutes and let cool. For the main filling, beat softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Mix in eggs and vanilla extract. Pour most of this batter (about 3/4) over your cooled crust.
Step 2: Add Pumpkin Swirl & Bake
To the remaining cheesecake batter, add pumpkin puree and cinnamon. Mix until just combined. Drop spoonfuls of this pumpkin batter over the plain cheesecake batter in the pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the pumpkin into the plain batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is mostly firm.
📝 Final Note
It’s important to let these bars cool completely on a wire rack, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours before cutting. This ensures clean slices and the best texture for your beautiful swirls.
