Decadent Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust
Experience the warm and comforting essence of autumn with these luscious Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. The buttery, flaky shortbread crust perfectly complements the rich and creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, creating an indulgent treat. With a delightful hint of spices, every bite encapsulates the cozy flavors of fall. Top it off with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a touch of elegance, making it a wonderful dessert for any festive gathering or holiday celebration.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 cup
sugar
1/3 cup
cold butter
1/3 cup (cut into small pieces)
salt
1 pinch
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
sugar
3/4 cup
sugar
2 tablespoons
eggs
2 large
canned pumpkin puree
1 cup
flour
1 tablespoon
cinnamon
1.5-2 teaspoons
allspice
1.25 teaspoons
vanilla extract
1.5 teaspoons
butter or margarine
1/4 cup (melted)
whipping cream
1 cup (whipped, to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the second-lowest position.
2
Generously butter an 8x8-inch baking pan and set aside.
3
To prepare the crust, add flour, sugar, cold butter, and a pinch of salt to a food processor. Process for about 30 seconds or until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
4
Lightly press the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove it and set it aside to cool slightly.
6
While the crust is baking, prepare the cheesecake filling. Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons of sugar for approximately 2 minutes until smooth.
7
Add eggs to the cream cheese mixture and continue beating until fully incorporated.
8
Mix in the canned pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
9
In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cinnamon, and allspice. Gradually add this dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture, and blend until smooth and combined, about 1-2 minutes.
10
Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
11
Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is just set and a slight jiggle remains in the center.
12
Allow the dessert to cool at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly.
13
Once chilled, cut into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main feature of these pumpkin cheesecake bars?
These bars feature a luscious pumpkin cheesecake filling on top of a buttery, flaky shortbread crust.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You will need an 8x8-inch baking pan, which should be generously buttered.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Where should I position the oven rack?
The oven rack should be placed in the second-lowest position for even baking.
What ingredients are in the shortbread crust?
The crust consists of 1 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of cold butter cut into small pieces, and a pinch of salt.
How do I prepare the crust mixture?
Add the flour, sugar, cold butter, and salt to a food processor and process for about 30 seconds until it resembles fine crumbs.
How long does the crust bake before adding the filling?
The crust should be baked alone for 15 minutes and then cooled slightly.
How much cream cheese is needed for the filling?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How long should I beat the cream cheese and sugar?
Beat the cream cheese with the sugar for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth.
How many eggs are used in the cheesecake filling?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs.
What type of pumpkin is used in this recipe?
Use 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree for the filling.
What spices are included in the pumpkin mixture?
The bars are flavored with 1.5-2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1.25 teaspoons of allspice.
Is there vanilla extract in the filling?
Yes, the filling includes 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Why is melted butter added to the pumpkin filling?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of melted butter or margarine to add richness to the cheesecake layer.
How should I combine the dry ingredients for the filling?
In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with the cinnamon and allspice before gradually adding it to the pumpkin mixture.
How long do the cheesecake bars bake in total?
After adding the filling to the crust, bake for an additional 30-35 minutes.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the filling is just set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, after cooling at room temperature, they must be transferred to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly.
How should I serve the pumpkin cheesecake bars?
Cut them into squares and serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
How much whipping cream is suggested for topping?
The recipe suggests 1 cup of whipping cream, whipped to taste.
Can I use a food processor for the crust?
Yes, a food processor is recommended to quickly blend the cold butter into the flour and sugar.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is described as buttery, flaky, and similar to shortbread.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the filling?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/4 cup of melted butter or margarine.
How much sugar is used in the filling specifically?
The filling uses 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar.
What is the total amount of flour used in the whole recipe?
You will use 1 cup of flour for the crust and 1 tablespoon of flour for the filling.
Is the pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, this recipe specifically calls for canned pumpkin puree, which is 100% pumpkin without added spices.
What should I do if I don't have allspice?
While allspice is recommended, you could potentially substitute with a pinch of cloves and nutmeg, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total, including the optional whipped cream topping.
What makes this dessert suitable for holidays?
The warm spices like cinnamon and allspice combined with pumpkin make it a classic fall and holiday treat.
How do I ensure the cheesecake layer is smooth?
Make sure your cream cheese is softened before beating it with an electric mixer for at least 2 minutes.