Description
These pumpkin cheesecake bars feature a tender gingersnap crust and a creamy, spiced pumpkin filling. No water bath required, and they taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (about 200g) gingersnap cookie crumbs
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter)
- 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (245g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on all sides. Lightly grease the parchment.
- Make the crust: Pulse gingersnap cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons sugar and a pinch of salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until all crumbs are moistened.
- Press the crust mixture gently into the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup. Do not pack too firmly. Refrigerate while making the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape bowl and beaters.
- Add 1 cup sugar and beat on medium-low until combined. Add pumpkin puree and beat until smooth. Scrape bowl again.
- In a small bowl, whisk together pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Add to cream cheese mixture and beat on low until just combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating on low after each addition until yolk disappears. Add vanilla and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Remove crust from refrigerator. Pour filling over crust and spread evenly. Tap pan gently on counter to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly when shaken. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
- Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Lift bars out using parchment sling. Trim edges if desired. Cut into 16 squares, wiping knife clean between cuts.
Notes
Room temperature ingredients are essential for a smooth filling. Do not overmix once eggs are added. Chill overnight for best texture and flavor. Use a hot knife for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake bars, gingersnap crust, fall dessert, pumpkin dessert, cheesecake bars