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- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice For the crust and crumble, use finely crushed graham crackers. This helps form a smooth base. Melt the butter gently to avoid burning. Mix the butter with the sugar, cinnamon, and salt before adding the crumbs. This makes sure all flavors blend well. For the pumpkin cheesecake layer, soften the cream cheese first. This makes it easier to beat smoothly. When adding the pumpkin puree, ensure it is pure and not spiced. Mix all the ingredients until the batter is smooth. This avoids lumps in your cheesecake. When measuring, use a dry measuring cup for the crumbs and a liquid cup for the pumpkin. Always level off the cups for accuracy. Following these tips will help you create a great balance of flavors and textures in your bars. To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well until all ingredients blend smoothly. Take two-thirds of this mixture. Press it firmly into the bottom of the baking pan. This will be your crust. Set aside the last third for the crumble topping. In another bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Then, add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Mix everything together until smooth. The blend should be creamy and well combined. Now, pour the pumpkin cheesecake mix over the crust in the baking pan. Spread it out evenly. Next, take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it over the cheesecake layer. Make sure it covers the entire surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. You want the edges to set while the center can still jiggle a bit. Once done, take it out and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. After that, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars. This cooling time helps the bars firm up nicely. For great texture, focus on the crust and filling. Press the crust firmly into the pan. This helps it hold together. The crust should feel dense. For the filling, mix the cream cheese and pumpkin well. Blend until smooth. This gives you a creamy bar. If you see lumps, keep mixing. You want a silky filling that spreads easily. One mistake is not cooling the bars enough. Letting them cool at room temperature is key. After that, chill them in the fridge. This step helps the bars set and slice neatly. Another common error is overbaking the bars. Keep an eye on them. They should jiggle slightly in the center when done. If they look too firm, they may dry out. To make these bars even tastier, serve them chilled. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. You can also add whipped cream on the side. For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the top. This enhances the pumpkin spice taste. Feel free to pair these bars with a warm drink, like chai or coffee. The warmth complements the cool, creamy dessert. {{image_2}} You can switch up the spices in these bars. Try using nutmeg or ginger instead of cinnamon. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Ginger brings a nice zing. Each change gives a new twist. You can also mix in some chocolate chips for extra richness. If you love a nutty taste, sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts. Want a lighter version? Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream. You can also use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. This makes the bars healthier without losing flavor. For a vegan option, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. This keeps the texture creamy and rich. To make your bars look fancy, dust them with powdered sugar. Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for creaminess. For a festive touch, sprinkle some cinnamon on top. You can also add a few pumpkin seeds for crunch. Serve these bars on a beautiful platter to impress your guests. These little details make your treats even more special! To keep your pumpkin cheesecake crumble bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This will help maintain their creamy texture and rich flavor. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze pumpkin cheesecake crumble bars, first cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label the bag with the date. When you want to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps them tasty and prevents freezer burn. When stored properly, these bars last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can last up to 3 months. Check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, it’s best to throw them away. Enjoy your delicious treats while they’re fresh! Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They taste even better after sitting in the fridge. Make them a day before your event for best results. Just keep them in an airtight container. This helps keep the bars fresh and delicious. You can tell when the bars are done by looking at the edges. They should be set, while the center might jiggle a bit. A good rule is to bake for 35-40 minutes. If unsure, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready! Yes, feel free to use a different crust if you like. A cookie crust or an oat crust works well too. Just make sure it is pressed firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold their shape while baking. We covered how to make delicious pumpkin cheesecake crumble bars from start to finish. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect texture, and variations to try. Remember to store them properly and watch for spoilage signs. These bars can brighten up any season. Enjoy your baking and impress your friends!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Crumble Bars

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Pumpkin Cheesecake Crumble Bars! With a delicious graham cracker crust, creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, and a crunchy crumble topping, these bars are perfect for autumn gatherings. Easy to make and utterly irresistible, they'll leave everyone wanting more. Ready to impress your friends and family? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful dessert to life!
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Ingredients
  

For the Crust and Crumble:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined.

      Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust. Reserve the remaining one-third for the crumble topping.

        In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

          Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.

            Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top of the cheesecake layer, ensuring it covers the surface.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.

                Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

                  - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes (includes cooling) | Servings: 16 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars chilled, dusted with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch!