Indulge in the comforting flavors of autumn with these exquisite Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Each layer, from the crisp Biscoff crust to the creamy pumpkin-spiced filling, is crafted to evoke the cherished memories of classic Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, making them an essential treat for the season.

Irresistible Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Experience

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a dessert that captures the warmth and comfort of the autumn season. These spectacular Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are precisely that—a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy cheesecake and the beloved flavors of pumpkin pie. They offer all the richness and spice you crave in a convenient, perfectly portioned format. Forget the fuss of a traditional whole cheesecake; these bars deliver pure indulgence without the stress, making them ideal for everything from cozy family evenings to grand Thanksgiving celebrations.

Why These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Will Become Your New Favorite Go-To Recipe

There’s a special magic in a dessert that marries familiar comfort with undeniable elegance. These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars achieve exactly that, and they’re destined to become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire for several compelling reasons:

Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Each bite is a journey through autumn’s best flavors. The warm, aromatic spices—cinnamon, ginger, and cloves—perfectly complement the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. This spiced pumpkin layer is expertly balanced by a smooth, slightly tangy classic cheesecake layer, creating a complex yet profoundly comforting taste sensation that will delight your palate.
Perfect Texture Harmony: The experience begins with a delightfully crisp and buttery Biscoff cookie crust. This unique base offers a pleasant crunch and a hint of caramelized spice, providing an exquisite contrast to the velvety smooth, melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake filling. It’s a textural symphony that ensures every mouthful is utterly satisfying.
Effortless Elegance for Any Occasion: While these cheesecake bars boast an impressive, layered appearance, they are surprisingly simple to prepare. They demand less precision and time than a full-sized cheesecake, making them a fantastic option for bakers of all skill levels who wish to create a show-stopping dessert without the typical stress. They’re perfect for holiday potlucks, family gatherings, or simply an indulgent treat for yourself.
A Convenient Make-Ahead Solution: The beauty of cheesecake bars lies in their convenience. Not only are they easier to transport and serve than a whole cheesecake, but they also benefit greatly from being made ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly, freeing up your valuable time on the day of your event.
Satisfy That Cheesecake Craving with Ease: I know the feeling of yearning for a rich, towering cheesecake, perhaps swirled with caramel. While those grand baking projects are wonderful, sometimes you need a simpler, more accessible way to enjoy cheesecake. These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the perfect solution, satisfying that deep cheesecake desire in individual portions that are just as luxurious and much easier to manage for everyday enjoyment or smaller gatherings.

Crafting Perfection: Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

The success of any exceptional baked good often hinges on the quality of its ingredients and understanding their unique roles. For these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, each component is carefully chosen to contribute to their signature taste and luxurious texture:

For the Irresistible Biscoff Crust:

Biscoff Cookie Crumbs: These iconic caramelized, spiced European cookies (famously enjoyed on Delta flights) are the secret to a uniquely flavorful and crunchy crust. Their distinct, warm spice profile perfectly complements the pumpkin and cheesecake layers. While Biscoff is highly recommended for its unique contribution, classic graham cracker crumbs are a perfectly acceptable and delicious alternative.
Melted Butter: This essential ingredient acts as the binding agent, transforming the cookie crumbs into a sturdy, cohesive base. It also adds a rich, buttery depth that enhances the crust’s flavor and ensures it sets perfectly.

For the Velvety Cheesecake Filling:

Cream Cheese (full-fat, at room temperature): The undisputed star of any cheesecake, high-quality full-fat cream cheese guarantees a rich, tangy, and incredibly smooth filling. Crucially, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a lump-free batter that bakes evenly.
Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness, expertly balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese and the natural earthiness of the pumpkin, creating a well-rounded flavor.
Large Eggs (at room temperature): Eggs are vital for binding the cheesecake mixture and providing its classic creamy structure. Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more smoothly and evenly into the batter, contributing to a perfect texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of good quality vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a subtle warmth, aromatic depth, and a touch of sweetness that ties everything together.
Canned Pumpkin Puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling!): This distinction is paramount. Always opt for 100% pure canned pumpkin puree, which contains no added sugars, spices, or other ingredients. This allows you to control the exact flavor profile of your pumpkin layer. Pumpkin pie filling, on the other hand, is pre-seasoned and sweetened, which would throw off the carefully balanced flavors of this recipe.
Warm Autumn Spices: A precise blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves infuses the pumpkin layer with that quintessential fall aroma and taste. These spices are the heart of the pumpkin flavor. For convenience, you can substitute these three individual spices with 1 teaspoon of a good quality pumpkin pie spice blend.

Optional Garnishes:

Sweetened Whipped Cream: A light, airy dollop of freshly made sweetened whipped cream adds an extra layer of decadence, a pleasant textural contrast, and a beautiful visual flourish to each bar.
Autumn-Colored M&M’s: For a festive and fun touch, especially when serving to children or at holiday gatherings. Be mindful to add these colorful candies just before serving, as their colors can sometimes bleed into the whipped cream if left on for too long.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Creating these delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars is a straightforward and rewarding process when you follow these clear, detailed instructions. Paying close attention to each step will ensure a perfectly smooth, evenly layered, and utterly delicious outcome:

Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300ºF (150ºC). A lower oven temperature is crucial for cheesecakes, as it promotes gentle baking and significantly helps in preventing cracks in the surface.
Line Your Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick foil, ensuring that you leave a generous overhang on two opposite sides. These foil “handles” will prove invaluable later for easily lifting the cooled cheesecake slab out of the pan, making clean slicing effortless. If non-stick foil isn’t available, regular aluminum foil thoroughly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray will work just as effectively.
Craft the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Biscoff cookie crumbs (or your chosen alternative like graham cracker crumbs) with the melted butter. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. You can start by using your fingers to distribute it, then use the flat bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to create a perfectly compact and level crust. Set the pan aside.
Prepare the Cheesecake Batter: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand-held electric mixer), add the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Mix on low speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Periodically stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is incorporated evenly. Next, beat in the eggs, adding them one at a time and mixing only until each egg is just blended into the batter. It’s important not to over-beat at this stage, as incorporating too much air can lead to cracks in your finished cheesecake. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.
Create the First Layer: Carefully spoon approximately half of the plain cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared Biscoff crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the batter, ensuring it forms a smooth, even layer that extends to all edges of the pan.
Prepare and Add the Pumpkin Layer: To the remaining cheesecake mixture still in your mixing bowl, add the canned pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves (or 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice). Whisk these ingredients gently by hand or on very low speed with your mixer until all components are just combined and the mixture is smooth and uniformly orange. Carefully spread this pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the plain cheesecake layer, again using an offset spatula to create an even and distinct top layer.
Bake and Cool Slowly: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the edges appear set and the center of the cheesecake jiggles only slightly when the pan is gently shaken. Once baked, turn off the oven, prop the oven door open slightly (about an inch or two), and allow the cheesecake bars to cool slowly inside the oven for approximately one hour. This gradual cooling process is essential for preventing cracks. After an hour, remove the pan from the oven and finish cooling completely at room temperature. Once the bars are at room temperature, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours (preferably longer, or even overnight) before serving. Chilling is crucial for the bars to fully set, firm up, and achieve their ideal texture, making them much easier to slice neatly.
Serve and Enjoy: Once thoroughly chilled, use the foil overhangs to carefully lift the entire slab of cheesecake out of the baking pan. Place it onto a clean cutting board. For the cleanest, most professional-looking slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped completely dry after each cut. Slice the cheesecake into 9 equal bars. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve these delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and, if desired, a sprinkle of autumn-colored M&M’s (remember to add M&M’s just before serving to prevent their colors from bleeding).

Pro Tips for Flawless Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality pumpkin cheesecake bars is simpler than you might think with a few expert tricks. These tips will help you ensure your bars are consistently smooth, beautifully layered, and utterly delicious:

Room Temperature Ingredients are Non-Negotiable: This is arguably the most critical tip for any cheesecake. Always ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. Room temperature dairy and eggs blend together seamlessly, preventing unsightly lumps in your batter and guaranteeing a consistently creamy, smooth texture in your finished bars. Cold ingredients will lead to a lumpy batter and a less uniform, potentially cracked cheesecake.
The Gentle Power of the Paddle Attachment: When mixing the cream cheese and sugar, always use the paddle attachment on your stand mixer. This attachment is specifically designed to cream ingredients without incorporating excessive air, which is crucial for achieving a dense, rich cheesecake that is less prone to cracking during baking and cooling.
Never Overmix Your Eggs: Once you add the eggs to the batter, mix them only until they are just combined. Overmixing at this stage can introduce too much air, leading to an airy, soufflé-like texture that can collapse, crack, or become rubbery as it cools. Gentle, slow mixing is your best friend here to maintain that desirable creamy consistency.
Achieve Perfectly Even Layers with an Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is an invaluable tool for creating those distinct, visually appealing layers. After spooning each cheesecake layer over the crust, gently use the offset spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring it reaches all edges of the pan. This attention to detail significantly enhances the professional presentation of your bars.
Line Your Pan for Effortless Removal: Lining your baking pan with non-stick foil and leaving a slight overhang on two opposite sides is a game-changer. Once your bars are baked and thoroughly chilled, these foil “handles” allow you to effortlessly lift the entire cheesecake slab out of the pan in one piece. This makes slicing incredibly easy and mess-free, preventing any damage to your beautiful bars.
The Hot Knife Trick for Clean Slices: For bakery-perfect, crisp edges on each bar, employ the hot knife technique. Dip a sharp knife into hot water, wipe it completely dry with a clean towel, and then make a slice. Repeat this process for every cut. The heat helps the knife glide through the cold cheesecake cleanly, preventing sticking and tearing, resulting in impeccably neat portions. You can find more detailed tips on how to cut perfect bar cookies here.
Slow Cooling Prevents Cracks: Cheesecake is highly sensitive to sudden temperature changes. To avoid unsightly cracks on the surface, turn off your oven once the bars are baked and leave the oven door slightly ajar. Allow the bars to cool slowly inside the oven for about an hour before removing them to cool completely at room temperature. This gradual transition minimizes thermal shock.
Chilling is Non-Negotiable: Patience truly is a virtue when it comes to cheesecake. Chilling the bars for at least 2-3 hours (ideally overnight) is essential. This allows the cheesecake to fully set, firm up, and allows the flavors to deepen and meld, making them much easier to slice into neat, perfect portions without crumbling.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Solutions for Your Cheesecake Bars

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are undeniably delicious on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them into an even more luxurious dessert. For a truly decadent experience, serve them chilled with a generous dollop of freshly made sweetened whipped cream. A delicate drizzle of warm caramel sauce, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or candied walnuts, or a light dusting of extra cinnamon can also add a delightful extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

To ensure your leftover Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars remain fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will maintain their excellent taste and texture for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars (without any toppings) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then encasing them in a layer of aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree in this recipe?: No, it is crucial to use 100% pure canned pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and pre-spiced with ingredients that will alter the flavor balance of this recipe, making the bars overly sweet and potentially affecting their texture. Always double-check the label!
Can I make these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars ahead of time for an event?: Absolutely! These bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare them a day or even two days in advance and keep them chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing them to chill overnight often enhances their flavor and makes them even easier to slice cleanly.
How can I prevent my cheesecake bars from cracking on top?: Several factors contribute to a crack-free cheesecake. Ensure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. Avoid overmixing the batter, especially after adding the eggs, to prevent incorporating too much air. Finally, allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly ajar after baking before moving it to room temperature and then the refrigerator.
What if I don’t have Biscoff cookies on hand? What can I use for the crust?: While Biscoff cookies add a unique, spiced flavor that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin, you can easily substitute them with an equal amount of classic graham cracker crumbs. Other delicious alternatives for the crust include crushed ginger snap cookies for an extra spice kick or shortbread cookies for a buttery, less spiced base.

Explore More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes for Every Season

Pumpkin isn’t just a star ingredient for the fall; its versatility makes it a fantastic addition to your baking throughout the year! If you’ve loved the comforting flavors of these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, you’ll surely want to explore and try these other delightful pumpkin-inspired recipes:

Pumpkin Challah Bread
Classic Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Adorable Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
Traditional Classic Pumpkin Pie
Delightful Mini Pumpkin Breads
Rich Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Plus, discover even More Irresistible Bar Cookie Recipes

The Recipe:

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
45 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes

Yield
9 bars

A delightful autumn treat featuring a spiced Biscoff cookie crust, a creamy layer of plain cheesecake, and a luscious top layer of pumpkin cheesecake, all baked to perfection.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups Biscoff cookie crumbs (or graham cracker crumbs)
1/4 cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie mix)
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

For Garnish (Optional):

Sweetened whipped cream
Autumn-colored M&M’s

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300ºF (150ºC).
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick foil, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting.
In a medium bowl, combine Biscoff crumbs and melted butter. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat room temperature cream cheese and sugar on low speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing only until just blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Spoon half of the cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth into an even layer with an offset spatula.
Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to the remaining cheesecake mixture. Whisk until just combined.
Carefully spread the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the plain cheesecake layer, smoothing with an offset spatula.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let cool in the oven for 1 hour.
Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature. Then, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours (preferably longer or overnight) before serving.
Once chilled, use the foil overhang to lift the cheesecake from the pan. Slice into 9 bars using a hot, dry knife.
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container. Serve with sweetened whipped cream and M&M’s, if desired (add M&M’s just before serving).

Notes

M&M’s will bleed into whipped cream if added too early, so top just before serving. You may substitute 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Total time listed does not include the essential cooling and chilling times for the cheesecake to properly set.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 9 bars

Serving Size: 1 bar

Amount Per Serving (Estimated):

Calories: 368
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 74mg
Sodium: 223mg
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 5g

We hope you thoroughly enjoy crafting and savoring these delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. They are truly a testament to the comforting, vibrant flavors of fall, promising to bring joy with every spiced, creamy bite. Happy baking!