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No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Delightful pumpkin cheesecake bars with a creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for fall gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 8 hours
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat
Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Calories: 275

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 2 ⅓ cups 2 ⅓ cup graham cracker crumbs (350g) Provides a golden, crispy foundation for your cheesecake.
  • 4 tablespoons 4 tablespoons brown sugar Adds a delightful caramel-like sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice A blend of warm spices for seasonal flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
  • ⅔ cup ⅔ cup butter, melted Adds richness and helps bind the crust.
For the cheesecake filling
  • 16 oz 16 oz cream cheese (room temperature, 500g) The creamy, tangy base of your cheesecake.
  • ¾ cup ¾ cup granulated sugar Ensures the filling reaches perfect sweetness.
  • 1/8 teaspoon ⅛ teaspoon sea salt Enhances all other flavors.
  • 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Imparts a fragrant essence to the filling.
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed) Adds brightness and balances the creaminess.
  • 1 cup 1 cup pumpkin puree Gives signature flavor and color.
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (more if desired) For those who love an extra kick of spice.
  • 1 cup 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold) For the whipped topping later.
For the whipped topping
  • ⅓ cup ⅓ cup powdered sugar For sweetness in the topping.
  • 1 teaspoon 1 tsp pure vanilla extract To add flavor to the whipped cream.
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice For a decorative finish on top.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Line an 8" or 9" square baking pan with parchment paper, creating handles with two strips laid out in a cross shape.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, sea salt, and pumpkin spice. Pour in the melted butter and mix until well coated. Spread the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, packing it tightly.
Making the Filling
  1. In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the fridge.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, sea salt, vanilla extract, lemon juice, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin cheesecake mixture until no streaks remain.
Assembling
  1. Transfer the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  2. After chilling, freeze the cheesecake for about an hour for clean cuts. Use parchment handles to lift it out, trim edges, and cut into 12 bars.
Topping
  1. Whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Pipe swirls on top of each cheesecake bar and sprinkle with pumpkin spice.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother filling. Adjust the pumpkin spice to taste, and feel free to use a spatula instead of a piping bag for the cream topping.