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Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for Any Occasion

As the autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, our cravings for cozy, comforting desserts start to emerge. One of the most delightful seasonal treats is pumpkin cheesecake. This twist on a classic brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm spices of pumpkin pie, making it perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to casual family dinners. In this article, we’ll guide you through an easy recipe for pumpkin cheesecake bars that will impress your guests without causing you stress in the kitchen.

Why Choose Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars?

Pumpkin cheesecake bars are not only incredibly delicious but also offer several advantages over traditional pumpkin pie. Firstly, they are easy to prepare and cut into neat squares, making them ideal for serving at parties or potlucks. Secondly, the texture is wonderfully creamy, and the flavours are perfectly balanced, ensuring a delightful treat that caters to both cheesecake lovers and pumpkin enthusiasts alike. If you’re looking to bring a touch of autumn to your dessert table, these bars are the perfect solution!

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious pumpkin cheesecake bars, you will need the following ingredients:

For the crust:

• 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
• 100g unsalted butter, melted
• 50g brown sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

• 400g cream cheese, softened
• 200g canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 150g granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 150ml sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• A pinch of salt

Method

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make removal easier later.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits, melted butter, and brown sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
   • Press the mixture firmly into the base of the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
   • Add in the pumpkin puree, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and all the spices. Beat on low speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, taking care not to overmix.

3. Combine and Bake:

   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
   • Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centre has a slight jiggle. Keep in mind that it will continue to firm up as it cools.
4. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the pumpkin cheesecake bars to cool in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature. Then transfer them to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
   • Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Cut them into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flair.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These pumpkin cheesecake bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them at Thanksgiving or Halloween parties, or simply enjoy them as an indulgent treat during the cooler months. They can also be easily adapted to suit dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free biscuits for those with dietary restrictions.

In conclusion, this easy pumpkin cheesecake bar recipe is a delightful way to embrace the flavours of autumn. With minimal effort and maximum taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire, perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to wow your friends and family with these irresistible bars!

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