Description
Dive into the flavors of fall with Pumpkin Cheesecake Magic Bars, a dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the warm spices of pumpkin, nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with caramel drizzle, these bars are perfect for holiday celebrations, cozy gatherings, or any time you crave a decadent autumn treat.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
For the First Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
For the Topping:
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease or line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until combined and press evenly into the pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
2. Make the First Cream Cheese Layer:
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, blending until creamy.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Prepare the Pumpkin Layer:
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese and pumpkin puree until well blended.
- Mix in sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves) until smooth.
- Gently pour over the first cream cheese layer in the pan.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
5. Add the Toppings:
- Before serving, drizzle the cheesecake bars with caramel sauce.
- Optionally, add dollops of whipped cream and sprinkle with a touch of cinnamon for garnish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American