Description
These Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars deliver the perfect taste of fall. Enjoy a simple, layered dessert that brings cozy comfort to your kitchen. You will love the easy process for this unforgettable treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl. Pour in melted butter and mix until fully combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the caramel sauce into the cheesecake batter.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the warm crust. Spread evenly.
- Drizzle the top with remaining caramel sauce, using a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the pumpkin layer.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has only a slight jiggle.
- Cool the bars completely on a wire rack.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares before serving. Drizzle with extra caramel if desired.
Notes
- For the easiest cutting, chill the bars thoroughly.
- You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.
- If you like distinct layers, save a small amount of caramel to gently fold into the cheesecake batter and drizzle the rest on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approx. 280
- Sugar: Approx. 22g
- Sodium: Approx. 180mg
- Fat: Approx. 17g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 29g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 4g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 45mg