Name: Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup melted butter; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 2 large eggs; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; Pinch of salt

Creamy, cozy, and irresistibly spiced—Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fall dessert. Imagine the velvety texture of cheesecake infused with warm pumpkin pie spices, all layered over a buttery graham cracker crust. They strike the perfect balance between sweetness and spice, making them an ideal treat for crisp autumn gatherings or a cozy night in.

These bars are wonderfully easy to make, and they slice beautifully for serving at parties, potlucks, or as a make-ahead dessert for Thanksgiving. The creamy pumpkin filling melts in your mouth, and the hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove makes every bite feel like a hug in dessert form.

What Kind of Crust Should I Use?

A graham cracker crust is classic, but a gingersnap crust adds even more warm spice. You can also use crushed vanilla wafers for a milder flavor. Just make sure the crust is firmly pressed and baked for a few minutes before adding the filling to keep it from getting soggy.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
16 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves
Pinch of salt

How To Make the Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until fully combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract, and beat again until fluffy. Then add pumpkin puree, eggs, spices, and salt. Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are slightly puffed.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Cool the bars at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

How to Serve and Store Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

Serve these bars chilled for the best texture. Garnish with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch. For storing, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—just wrap each slice in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing and don’t overbake. Letting the bars cool gradually also helps prevent cracking.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, they taste even better after a night in the fridge.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

You can, but make sure it’s well-puréed and not too watery. Canned pumpkin tends to give more consistent results.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, but note that a larger pan will yield thinner bars and a shorter baking time. Adjust accordingly.

What can I use instead of graham crackers?

Gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, or even digestive biscuits all work as tasty alternatives.

Want More Cheesecake Ideas?

If you love these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars, you’ll want to explore more creamy and creative takes on classic cheesecake:

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for rich, fruity indulgence.
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars for a cinnamon-sugar twist.
Pistachio Cheesecake Brownies for a nutty, fudgy variation.
Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs if you’re into hand-held creamy bites.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars for those craving a chocolate fix.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with gingersnaps or classic graham? Add a whipped topping or leave them plain?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter. For more daily dessert inspiration, follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 9 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake filling. Perfectly portioned and full of fall flavor, they’re a must-make dessert for the season.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until fully combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes and set aside to cool.

2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract, and beat again until fluffy. Then add pumpkin puree, eggs, spices, and salt. Mix until just combined.

3. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are slightly puffed.

4. Cool the bars at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice into squares and serve chilled.