Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Praline Bars
Indulge in the delightful flavors of autumn with these Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Praline Bars. Each bar boasts a luscious layer of spiced pumpkin batter swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer, all topped with a crunchy pecan praline crumble. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in, these bars are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat with their beautiful marbled pattern. Store these decadent bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or wrap them tightly for freezing and enjoy them for up to two months.
24
Servings
100
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Packed brown sugar
1 cup (lightly packed)
Ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
Ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Eggs
2
Pumpkin puree
1 cup
All-purpose flour
1 cup
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Egg
1
Hazelnut extract
1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Granulated sugar
1/3 cup
Unsalted butter
1/4 cup (softened)
Packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (lightly packed)
Unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup
Chopped pecans
3/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhanging edges for easy removal, then brush the bottom and sides with softened butter.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix on medium speed for about 30 seconds until well combined.
3
Add the softened butter, eggs, and pumpkin puree to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
4
Slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix. Pour half of this pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan and set aside the remaining half in a small bowl.
5
In the same mixing bowl (no need to wash it), beat together the softened cream cheese, one egg, hazelnut extract, and vanilla extract on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy and well blended. Gradually add the sugar and continue to mix for an additional minute.
6
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pumpkin batter in the pan.
7
Carefully dollop the reserved pumpkin batter on top of the cream cheese layer. Using a rubber spatula or a knife, gently swirl the batter together to create a marbled effect. Make sure not to fully mix the layers; aim for a beautiful swirl.
8
To prepare the praline topping, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the unbleached flour and chopped pecans, mixing on low speed until crumbly.
9
Sprinkle the praline crumble evenly over the marbled batter in the pan.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center feels slightly firm when touched gently with a fingertip. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
14g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Praline Bars?
They are a decadent autumn dessert featuring layers of spiced pumpkin batter and creamy cheesecake swirled together, topped with a crunchy pecan praline crumble.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 individual bars.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 9x13-inch baking pan for these bars.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving overhanging edges for easy removal, and brush the bottom and sides with softened butter.
What spices are used in the pumpkin batter?
The batter is seasoned with ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves.
How long do I beat the pumpkin batter after adding wet ingredients?
Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it is smooth and creamy.
What is the tip for adding flour to the pumpkin batter?
Slowly add the flour and mix on low speed just until incorporated to avoid overmixing the batter.
How do I start the layering process?
Begin by pouring half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan.
What ingredients make up the cheesecake layer?
The cheesecake layer consists of softened cream cheese, an egg, hazelnut extract, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar.
How do I make the cheesecake filling fluffy?
Beat the cream cheese, egg, and extracts on medium speed for 2 minutes before adding the sugar.
How is the marbled effect created?
Dollop the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese layer and gently swirl with a spatula or knife.
What are the ingredients for the praline topping?
The topping is made from softened butter, packed brown sugar, unbleached flour, and chopped pecans.
How do I prepare the praline crumble?
Beat the butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then mix in the flour and pecans on low speed until the mixture becomes crumbly.
How long do these bars need to bake?
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
How do I check if the bars are done?
The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the center feels slightly firm when touched gently with a fingertip.
Why should I cool the bars on a wire rack?
Allowing them to cool completely ensures the cheesecake sets properly, making them easier to cut into clean bars.
How should the finished bars be stored?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long do the bars stay fresh in the fridge?
They will stay fresh for up to one week when refrigerated.
Can these pumpkin bars be frozen?
Yes, they can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to two months.
How many calories are in one bar?
Each bar contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
There are 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one bar?
Each bar provides 1.5 grams of protein.
What kind of nuts are used in the praline?
The recipe calls for chopped pecans for the praline topping.
What flavor extracts are required?
The recipe uses both vanilla extract and hazelnut extract for a unique flavor profile.
Is pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie filling used?
This recipe specifically uses 1 cup of pumpkin puree.
What type of sugar is used in the pumpkin batter?
The pumpkin batter uses 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends smoothly without lumps.
Is this recipe suitable for fall gatherings?
Yes, the combination of pumpkin, spices, and pecans makes it a perfect visual and tasty treat for autumn and holiday events.