Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars You’ll Crave Every Fall

Bianca

Founder of Red Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links learn more.

There’s something truly comforting about the warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that fills the kitchen during pumpkin season—and turning those cozy flavors into Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars takes that comfort to a whole new level. After searching for a dessert that’s both easy to make and a crowd-pleaser, I stumbled upon this recipe that combines creamy cheesecake with the rich, spiced pumpkin I adore. The best part? These bars strike the perfect balance between luscious and light, making them ideal for when you want a sweet treat without going overboard. Whether you’re craving an autumn indulgence or need a show-stopping dessert for your next gathering, these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars deliver on both flavor and simplicity. Let me show you how to whip them up in no time!

Why choose Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars?

Flavor-packed: These bars blend classic pumpkin spice with smooth, creamy cheesecake for an unforgettable taste. Easy to make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe perfect for home cooks and busy chefs. Versatile dessert: Serve at fall gatherings, holiday parties, or as an everyday treat. Crowd-pleaser: The rich, comforting spices appeal to pumpkin lovers and cheesecake fans alike. Perfect texture: Silky cheesecake meets tender pumpkin crust for a delightful bite every time.

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars Ingredients

For the Crust

Graham cracker crumbs – Provides a buttery, crunchy base that complements the creamy filling.
Unsalted butter – Use melted butter to bind the crust crumbs together evenly.

For the Pumpkin Filling

Pumpkin puree – Choose pure pumpkin for the rich flavor that defines Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars.
Brown sugar – Adds warmth and depth, perfectly balancing the spices.
Ground cinnamon – The star spice that brings classic autumn warmth.
Ground nutmeg – Offers a slightly sweet, nutty note to enhance the spice blend.
Ground cloves – Use sparingly for a hint of bold spice without overpowering.

For the Cheesecake Layer

Cream cheese – Ensure it’s softened to blend smoothly and produce a luscious texture.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake layer without masking the pumpkin spice flavor.
Eggs – Help set the cheesecake filling for a silky finish.
Vanilla extract – Adds fragrant richness, rounding out the flavor beautifully.

Optional Topping

Whipped cream – Lightly dollop when serving for extra creaminess and visual appeal.

These ingredients come together to create those crave-worthy Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars everyone loves!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper overhang for easy removal. This step ensures even baking and clean edges.

For the Crust:
Combine crumbs and butter: In a medium bowl, stir 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons melted butter until moist and sandy, creating a cohesive mixture.
Press crust firmly into the pan bottom; bake for 8 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the next layers.

For the Pumpkin Filling:
Whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl until smooth and fragrant, about 15 seconds. Set aside for layering.

For the Cheesecake Layer:
Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed until fluffy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Stop to scrape bowl sides for uniform texture.
Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until the batter is silky and uniform.
Assemble bars by pouring cheesecake batter over the crust. Dollop pumpkin filling on top and swirl gently with a knife until you see beautiful marbling.
Bake bars at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until edges are set and center still jiggles slightly. The bars should be lightly golden on top.
Cool & chill: Let bars cool completely on a wire rack, then cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours (or overnight) for perfect slices.
Serve the bars by lifting them from the pan using the parchment overhang. Garnish each square with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Optional: garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before serving.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are room temperature for smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter. Cold ingredients can cause curdling.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Beat cream cheese and sugar until just smooth; overmixing can introduce air bubbles leading to cracks in your cheesecake bars.
Perfect the Swirl Technique: Dollop pumpkin filling gently and swirl with a knife in slow, sweeping motions to create beautiful marbling without blending layers fully.
Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove bars when edges are set but center still jiggles slightly; overbaking dries out the creamy texture in these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars.
Chill Thoroughly Before Slicing: Refrigerate at least 3 hours to achieve clean slices and allow flavors to meld; cutting too soon causes crumbly bars.
Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: This simple step ensures the bars lift out cleanly without breaking, making serving a breeze every time.

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

Room Temperature: Enjoy these bars at room temperature for up to 2 hours; after that, they should be refrigerated for freshness.

Fridge: Store leftover Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they maintain their creamy texture and flavor.

Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil; they’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating: While best served cold, if you prefer them slightly warmed, enjoy them at room temperature or heat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Make Ahead Options

These Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy fall weekends! You can prepare the crust and pumpkin filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply make the crust and layer the pumpkin filling in the pan, then cover and refrigerate. The cheesecake layer also can be made ahead — just combine the cream cheese, sugar, and eggs as directed and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake the bars. When you’re ready to enjoy your treats, finish by pouring the cheesecake layer over the chilled pumpkin filling, swirl, and bake. You’ll have delicious, festive bars with minimal last-minute effort!

What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars?

Dive into a delightful autumn experience with flavors and textures that enhance your indulgent dessert.

Spiked Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavor, enhancing the cozy vibe of fall.
Gingerbread Cookies: The zesty kick of gingerbread adds a delightful crunch and offers a charming holiday touch—a perfect complement to the creamy cheesecake.
Candied Nuts: Sweet, crunchy nuts bring an extra layer of texture, adding delightful contrast to the silky bars while echoing the spiced flavors.
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A rich chocolate drizzle can elevate the dessert, balancing the sweetness with its bittersweet flavors, creating a luxurious finish.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla bean ice cream provides a creamy counterpart that cools the palate and adds sweetness.
Autumn Fruit Salad: A fresh salad of apples, pears, and pomegranate provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the cheesecake bars, enhancing your dessert experience.
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or rich espresso can enhance the spices in your bars while offering a comforting embrace—perfect for pairing with sweet treats.

These pairings create a harmonious feast that enhances every bite of your Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars.

Variations & Substitutions for Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

Feel free to explore these creative twists to elevate your Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars even more!

Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour, binding with melted coconut oil for a deliciously different base.
Vegan Option: Replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, and use flax eggs instead of traditional eggs for a plant-based delight.
Nutty Flavor: Add crushed walnuts or pecans to the crust for an extra crunch and nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
Add Chocolate: Swirl in some melted dark chocolate with the pumpkin filling for a decadent chocolate-pumpkin fusion that your friends will adore.
Spiced Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of espresso powder to the pumpkin filling for a surprising and delightful depth of flavor.
Maple Twist: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup in the filling for a natural sweetness and a wonderful maple undertone that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Cheesecake Bites: Pour the batter into mini muffin tins for bite-sized pumpkin cheesecake treats, perfect for parties and easy to pop in your mouth!
Topping Flare: Instead of whipped cream, try a dollop of spiced mascarpone cheese as a topping for an added richness and festive touch.

Experimenting with these variations can lead to delightful discoveries that make this beloved recipe your own!

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my pumpkin puree is good to use?
Use pure pumpkin puree that is smooth and deep orange in color. Avoid cans with dark spots all over or a sour smell, as these indicate spoilage. Freshness really makes a difference in flavor!

What’s the best way to store leftover Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars?
Store your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 5 days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars? How should I do it?
Absolutely! Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil for extra protection. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep delicious for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

What do I do if my cheesecake layers crack or look dry?
Cracks usually happen from overmixing or overbaking. To avoid this, mix cream cheese and sugar just until smooth, and pull the bars from the oven when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. If cracks appear, a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a swirl of whipped cream hides them beautifully!

Are these bars safe for pets or people with allergies?
These bars contain common allergens like eggs and dairy, so they aren’t safe for dogs or anyone with dairy or egg allergies. Always keep desserts with spices and dairy out of pets’ reach and offer allergy-friendly treats instead!