Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Easy, Creamy Fall Favorite

There’s something about the smell of pumpkin spice and cheesecake baking together that feels like a warm hug from fall itself. I first made these pumpkin cheesecake bars on a rainy October afternoon with my niece—swirling the layers together felt almost too pretty to bake. But bake we did, and let me tell you: they disappeared fast.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

These bars are everything you love about fall desserts, without the fuss of a traditional cheesecake. The buttery graham cracker crust brings a familiar crunch, while the creamy filling swirls together tangy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin in each bite. You don’t need a water bath, and they slice beautifully for potlucks or family dinners. They’re sturdy enough to make ahead but indulgent enough to steal the dessert spotlight at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust

You’ll need just two ingredients for the crust, but they pack a flavor punch:

• 3 cups graham cracker crumbs — crush your own or use store-bought crumbs.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) — this binds everything into a rich, toasty base.

Want a flavor twist? Try using gingersnaps or cinnamon graham crackers for a deeper spiced kick.

For the Cheesecake Layer

This creamy base keeps things classic:

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened) — tangy and smooth, the star of the show.
• ½ cup sour cream — adds moisture and tang; Greek yogurt works too.
• 1 cup granulated sugar — just the right amount of sweetness.
• 2 large eggs — for that rich, custardy texture.

For the Pumpkin Swirl

The seasonal swirl gives this dessert its cozy charm:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree — make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
• 2 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice — or make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• 1 tsp salt — brings out the pumpkin and spice notes.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray. Stir together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press it evenly into the bottom of the dish. Use the bottom of a glass to really pack it in — this keeps it from crumbling later.

2. Make the Cheesecake Batter

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and sugar, mixing until fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating until just combined. Don’t overmix — that can cause cracks later.

3. Swirl with Pumpkin Mixture

Pour about ¾ of the cheesecake batter over the crust. To the remaining batter, stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Dollop spoonfuls of the pumpkin mixture over the base and swirl with a butter knife or skewer to create a marbled effect. It’s like edible art!

this …

4. Cool, Chill & Slice

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it cool inside for 30 minutes — this helps prevent cracks. Then chill in the fridge for at least 1.5 hours. Use a plastic knife to slice clean bars that look as good as they taste.

Easy Substitutions & Variations

These bars are flexible! Try these fun twists:

• Swap the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
• Change up the crust: gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, or chocolate grahams all work.
• Add toppings like whipped cream, caramel drizzle, granola, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra wow-factor.

Storage Tips

Once cooled and sliced, store your pumpkin cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days — if they last that long. Want to make them ahead? You can freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

Quick No-Bake Version (Optional)

No time to bake? Here’s a fast-track option:

• Use the same graham cracker + butter crust.
• Mix 1 box of pumpkin spice instant pudding with 1 cup cold milk.
• Fold in a tub of Cool Whip or 8 oz of store-bought cheesecake filling.
• Spread the mixture over the crust, sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice, and chill until ready to serve. Ready in under 30 minutes!

More Pumpkin Recipes to Try

If these bars sparked your fall cravings, don’t miss these cozy favorites:

• Try the Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes – the perfect bite-sized fall dessert
• Or bake a batch of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins with a delicious swirl
• And don’t skip these Chewy Pumpkin Cookies for a cozy seasonal treat

FAQs

Before you go, follow Kai Recipes on Pinterest for cozy kitchen ideas or swing by the Kai Recipes Facebook page to join our comfort-food-loving community!

Print