Recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars at Life's Ambrosia

Last week on twitter I asked if there were any taste test volunteers for the cheesecake bars I was planning on making that afternoon. Surprisingly, or not, there were quite a few people interested. As much as I wanted to have everyone come over to a cheesecake party, it just wasn’t possible. And until it’s possible to pass food through the computer, I will have to do the next best thing and share the recipe with you on here. I hope you enjoy it. Ryan and I have, for the past couple of days.

I don’t know if I would say that these can replace pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving for the simple fact that I adore pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving because it is the only time I get to enjoy it. This dessert however would be a good addition to your dessert table if you can’t decide whether or not you want to make cheesecake or pumpkin pie. The ginger snap crust pairs perfectly with the spiced cheesecake filling. I opted to put a crumble topping just for kicks and it turned out pretty good. It’s totally optional if you’re not a fan. I suppose I can also say the caramel sauce is optional too but I mean really….who doesn’t like caramel sauce?

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Pumpkin, cheesecake, gingersnaps, crumble topping & caramel sauce? Yes please.

Makes 20 bars

Prep time: 1 hr 50 min

Cook time: 1 hr

Ingredients:

2 cups crushed gingersnap crumbs
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 (8oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter cut into pieces
caramel sauce

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Line a 8″x8″ glass pan with foil, be sure to cover the sides, you are going to use this to lift the cheesecake out of the pan.
Combine the melted butter and gingersnap crumbs and press into the bottom of the pan. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In a bowl beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat in sugar, sour cream, vanilla, eggs, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Beat until smooth and creamy. Note: if you end up with lumps you can transfer the mix to a food processor and pulse a couple of times until smooth.
Pour mixture onto gingersnap crust.
In another bowl combine flour and brown sugar. Using a pastry cutter cut cold butter into the mixture until crumbly.
Sprinkle mixture over the top of the cheesecake. Bake for 40 - 50 minutes or until the center is set. If a knife inserted comes out mostly clean you are good to go.
Allow to cool on a cooling rack for about 40 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until chilled through, about 2 hours.
Cut, drizzle with caramel sauce and serve.

Enjoy!

Responses to "Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars"

“
YUM! What a gorgeous picture you got of it too! I’m not a huge pumpkin pin fan…but I believe I could become a huge fan of this one.. I mean, come on, it’s got cream cheese in it…how can that be bad???
”

- Jenn's Food Journey

“
YUM! What a gorgeous picture you got of it too! I’m not a huge pumpkin pin fan…but I believe I could become a huge fan of this one.. I mean, come on, it’s got cream cheese in it…how can that be a bad thing??
”

- Jenn's Food Journey

“
OH MY GOSH.. I am trying this.. my in laws are coming in this weekend and I am going to MAKE THIS!!!!!
”

- Diana

“
Oh my goodness! This is heavenly!
”

- Michelle

“
Des….gonna make this for Thanksgiving (plus a chocolate pecan tart). Thought I would serve the bars cool and warm up the caramel sauce…..I suppose with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream on the side. EEEEK, I can’t wait. ….maybe I won’t.
”

- Kathy