Description
Velvety cheesecake layered with cinnamon-kissed pumpkin creates a swirling mosaic of autumn flavors. Each bar offers a crisp graham base giving way to rich creaminess and warm spices with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 16 ounce cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in vanilla extract.
- Spread half of the cheesecake batter evenly over the warm crust.
- In a small bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the pumpkin mixture over the cheesecake layer, pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top, and add additional pumpkin dollops; use a knife to gently swirl the layers.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before lifting out of the pan and slicing.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Press the crust mixture firmly to prevent crumbling when cutting.
- Chill the bars thoroughly to achieve clean, neat slices.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.