Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I was sifting through the spices in my kitchen, a familiar scent whirled through the air, instantly transporting me to the warmth of fall gatherings. That’s when it hit me—why not create something delightful that encapsulates the essence of this season? Enter my Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping. These bars combine creamy layers of indulgent cheesecake atop a nutty, cinnamon-kissed crust, topped with a crunchy streusel that adds the perfect finishing touch. Not only are they a delicious twist on traditional pumpkin pie, but they’re also quick to whip up—an ideal solution for those holiday parties or cozy family dinners. Plus, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swapping in almond flour is a breeze. Are you ready to embrace the flavors of fall with a slice of happiness? Let’s dive into this festive treat! Why Will You Adore These Bars? Uniquely Delectable: These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional desserts, combining creamy cheesecake with a crunchy walnut crust. Time-Saving: Perfect for busy bakers, these bars come together swiftly, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivities. Versatile Indulgence: Serve them at Thanksgiving or potlucks; they’re guaranteed to impress your guests. Gluten-Free Option: Easily swap in almond flour for a gluten-free treat. And for a richer experience, check out these Biscoff Cheesecake Indulge bars as well! Each bite will whisk you into the warm embrace of fall flavors. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Ingredients For the Crust • Walnuts – Adds a crunchy base to these delectable pumpkin cheesecake bars. • Almond Flour – Provides structure and a nutty flavor, perfect for a gluten-free alternative. • White Sugar – Sweetens both the crust and cheesecake layers; coconut sugar can be a healthier substitute. • Salted Butter – Binds all the ingredients together and adds richness; unsalted works too if you adjust the salt. For the Cheesecake Layer • Pumpkin Puree – Infuses a rich pumpkin flavor; ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling. • Eggs – Essential for providing structure and creaminess to the layers. • Cream Cheese – Gives that iconic cheesecake texture; opt for full-fat for the best results. • Pumpkin Spice – Intensifies the warm pumpkin flavor; a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg can be a great substitute. • Cinnamon – Adds depth and warmth to your bars. For the Streusel Topping • Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and a deep flavor to the streusel; coconut sugar can replace it if desired. • Oats – Gives a delightful texture to the streusel; be sure to use gluten-free oats if needed. • Flour – Recipes use all-purpose flour, but gluten-free flour works well as a substitute. • Vanilla – Enhances the overall flavor of both the cheesecake and the streusel. With these ingredients, you’ll be making irresistible Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars that everyone will adore! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This step not only prepares your environment but also sets the perfect temperature for baking your delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Step 2: Make the Crust In a mixing bowl, combine crushed walnuts, almond flour, white sugar, and melted salted butter. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm layer that will serve as your tasty base. Aim for a cohesive, even layer that’s ready to hold the creamy filling! Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Mix In a clean bowl, beat together cream cheese, white sugar, and eggs until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Save 1 ½ cups of this luscious mixture in a separate bowl for later. Gently pour the remaining cheesecake mixture over the walnut crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a delightful foundation of your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Step 4: Add the Pumpkin Layer Now, take the reserved cheesecake mixture and blend in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice until completely smooth. Carefully spoon this pumpkin-infused blend over the white cheesecake layer, taking care not to mix the two layers. You want to achieve a beautiful separation between the creamy white and vibrant orange, showcasing the allure of fall within your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until the ingredients resemble a crumbly streusel topping. This adds a delightful crunch to your bars. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the pumpkin layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface to enhance both texture and flavor. Step 6: Bake the Bars Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and let the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars bake for 60 to 70 minutes. The tops should look golden, and the center should be set but slightly jiggly when you gently shake the dish. This will give you the perfect creamy texture once cooled and chilled. Step 7: Cool and Chill Once baked, remove the dessert from the oven and allow it to cool in the dish for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer it to the refrigerator or freezer to chill for at least 2 hours, which will make cutting the bars much easier. This chilling time also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a luscious treat! Expert Tips for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Using cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smooth filling without lumps, enhancing the texture of your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Layering Technique: Carefully spoon the pumpkin layer over the white cheesecake layer to maintain distinct layers. This technique adds visual appeal and a delightful surprise with every slice. Chill Time Matters: Allow sufficient chilling time after baking; the longer they chill, the cleaner and more beautiful the cuts will be when you slice your bars. Consistent Baking: Keep an eye on your bars during the final baking minutes. Ovens can vary, so check for a slightly jiggly center to avoid overbaking and maintaining the creamy texture. Flavor Enhancements: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or cloves to the pumpkin layer, enhancing the warm fall spices in your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Variations & Substitutions Feel free to personalize these delicious bars and discover new flavor adventures that will delight your taste buds! Nutty Twist: Swap walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts for a different flavor in the crust. Each nut brings its own unique taste, adding depth and character to your bars. Vegan Friendly: Use dairy-free cream cheese for a creamy yet plant-based option. This allows everyone to enjoy the scrumptiousness, no matter their dietary preference. Chocolate Indulgence: Fold chocolate chips into the pumpkin layer for an extra indulgent treat. The rich chocolate contrasts beautifully with the spices, creating a delightful surprise with every bite! Sugar Swap: Substitute white sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener option. Just ensure to adjust the liquids in your recipe for the perfect balance! Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the pumpkin layer for a surprising kick. It elevates the warm spices and adds a bit of excitement to each bite! Cranberry Burst: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins into the streusel topping for a sweet and tangy twist. These little additions burst with flavor and enhance the fall theme beautifully. Fruit Fusion: Top your bars with a layer of fresh apple or pear slices before baking. This adds a seasonal fruit element, making each slice even more delightful! Gluten-Free Necessity: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the streusel for those avoiding gluten. You can also embrace oats as a delicious, gluten-free alternative! As you explore these variations, don’t forget to serve your bars alongside a dollop of whipped cream, perhaps reminiscent of my Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. They’ll be the perfect complement to your festive dessert table! Make Ahead Options These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a perfect choice for meal prep, allowing you to savor their delightful flavors with less hassle on busy days! You can prepare the crust and cheesecake layers up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them separately in the refrigerator to maintain their quality. To do this, press the walnut crust into the baking dish and prepare the cheesecake mixture, storing the cream cheese and pumpkin layers in airtight containers. When you’re ready to bake, combine and layer them, add the streusel topping, and bake as directed. As a result, you’ll enjoy the same deliciousness while saving precious time for your festive gatherings! Storage Tips for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Fridge: Store your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their creamy texture and rich flavor. Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the bars in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label them with the date! Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen bars overnight in the fridge. For a quick fix, you can leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Reheating: If you prefer them warm, you can gently heat individual bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy! What to Serve with Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping? Indulging in Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars invites the warmth of cozy gatherings, and pairing them right can enhance their delightful flavors. Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that perfectly complements the dense cheesecake layers. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the bars elevates the sweetness, giving a rich contrast to the pumpkin flavor. Spiced Apple Cider: Sipping on a warm cup of spiced apple cider brings out the fall ambiance and balances the creamy texture. Cranberry Salad: A tangy cranberry salad provides a refreshing and vibrant contrast, cutting through the richness of the cheesecake bars. Ginger Snap Cookies: The spicy crunch of ginger snaps echoes the flavors of the pumpkin spice, creating a harmonious flavor experience. Pecan Pie: For those seeking ultimate indulgence, serving a slice of pecan pie alongside adds a classic fall dessert experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top of the warm bars creates a delightful fusion of temperatures and textures. The combination of these items with Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars will ensure each bite is a memorable celebration of fall flavors! Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe FAQs How do I know if my pumpkin is ripe enough to use in the recipe? When selecting pumpkin puree, look for a can labeled 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. The puree should be rich and thick without excess moisture. If using fresh pumpkins, choose ones that are firm with a vibrant orange color and no dark spots. What’s the best way to store leftover Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars? You can store your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This ensures they stay fresh and maintain their delicious, creamy texture. To serve later, let them chill in the fridge to enhance the flavors. Can I freeze Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, and how do I do it? Absolutely! To freeze your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. What if my cheesecake bars are too soft or undercooked after baking? If your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars seem soft after baking, it might mean they need additional time in the oven. They should be set but slightly jiggly in the center. If they are undercooked, put them back in the oven for an extra 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. Ensuring that the center is set is key to achieving that creamy yet firm texture. Are there any allergies I need to be aware of when making these bars? Yes! This recipe contains eggs and dairy due to the cream cheese. If you have dairy allergies, consider using dairy-free cream cheese as an alternative. Also, since walnuts are used in the crust, anyone with a nut allergy should replace walnuts with a different base like gluten-free graham crackers if necessary. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, definitely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust and streusel topping with gluten-free flour or almond flour. This makes them a delicious, gluten-free alternative that everyone can enjoy! Irresistibly Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars deliver a delightful twist on traditional desserts, combining creamy cheesecake and crunchy walnut crust. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes minsCooling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 cup Walnuts crushed1 cup Almond Flour or all-purpose flour1/3 cup White Sugar or coconut sugar5 tbsp Salted Butter meltedFor the Cheesecake Layer1 cup Pumpkin Puree pure pumpkin puree3 large Eggs16 oz Cream Cheese full-fat2 tsp Pumpkin Spice or cinnamon and nutmeg mix1 tsp CinnamonFor the Streusel Topping1/2 cup Brown Sugar or coconut sugar1 cup Oats gluten-free if needed1/2 cup Flour or gluten-free flour1 tsp Vanilla Equipment Mixing Bowl8x8-inch baking dishspatulaparchment paper Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.In a mixing bowl, combine crushed walnuts, almond flour, white sugar, and melted salted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.Beat together cream cheese, white sugar, and eggs until smooth. Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture in a separate bowl, then pour the rest over the walnut crust.Blend the reserved cheesecake mixture with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice until smooth. Spoon over the white cheesecake layer.In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until crumbly. Sprinkle over the pumpkin layer.Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until golden, and the center is slightly jiggly. Cool in the dish for 15 minutes and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesFor the best texture, use room temperature cream cheese and ensure distinct layers for visual appeal. Consider additional spices for more flavor enhancements. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
