Description
Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with the warm flavors of pumpkin and caramel, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: This will form the base of your bars, providing a crunchy texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: The butter helps bind the crumbs together and adds richness.
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese is essential for that creamy cheesecake filling.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: This gives the bars their signature pumpkin flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the filling and balances the spices.
- 3 large eggs: Eggs help set the cheesecake and give it a smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and flavors.
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): Caramel sauce adds a sweet, gooey layer that makes these bars irresistible.
Instructions
- Prepare the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of a lined baking pan and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Make the cheesecake filling by beating softened cream cheese until smooth, then adding pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
- Pour half of the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and drizzle half of the caramel sauce over it.
- Swirl the caramel into the cheesecake layer, then pour the remaining cheesecake mixture on top and repeat the caramel drizzle and swirling process.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool in the pan for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent cracks.
- Allow bars to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Check for doneness to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pumpkin, Caramel, Cheesecake, Bars, Dessert