Ingredients
To create these delightful bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
If you’re looking for a twist, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gingersnap cookies for an extra burst of flavor. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese without compromising the taste.
Instructions
Ready to bring these bars to life? Here are the steps:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add the pumpkin puree, sugar, and maple syrup to the cream cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, cut into squares, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International