Spooky Sweetness: Halloween Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars You Won’t Forget

As October chills settle in and the scent of cinnamon and pumpkin fills the air, I find myself craving a treat that balances the spooky with the sweet. These Halloween Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are my secret weapon for balancing chaos and comfort during the haunted season. Their creamy texture and festive look turn any gathering into a moment of delight.

What makes these bars different? It’s the unexpected twist of spiced pumpkin atop a smooth cheesecake base, all layered into a manageable, shareable bar. No fuss, just pure, seasonal joy that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. They’re perfect for costumes parties, last-minute gatherings, or a cozy night in watching ghost movies.

Halloween Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

These pumpkin cheesecake bars feature a creamy, smooth cheesecake layer topped with spiced pumpkin filling, all set into a sturdy crust. The dessert has a rich, luscious texture with a festive look, perfect for seasonal celebrations and gatherings.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 200 g digestive cookies or graham crackers for the crust
• 100 g unsalted butter melted, for the crust
• 400 g cream cheese softened
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 2 eggs large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon plus extra for garnish
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp cloves ground
• ½ cup heavy cream whipped, for topping (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Spatula
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Crush the digestive cookies or graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and smashing with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and slightly airy.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined, then pour the mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake the cheesecake for 20-25 minutes until it is just set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. While the cheesecake cools, prepare the pumpkin topping: in a bowl, combine canned pumpkin with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, mixing until smooth.
9. Spread the spiced pumpkin mixture evenly over the cooled cheesecake layer, creating a vibrant orange top.
10. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to set the pumpkin layer.
11. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled and firm.
12. Just before serving, optionally whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form and pipe or dollop on top of the bars. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.

Each bite delivers a burst of pumpkin spice warmth wrapped in a silky cream cheese hug. These bars evoke fall memories and bring a little magic to your halloween table. They’re simple to assemble but impressively festive, making them an ideal seasonal dessert.

Enjoy the flavors of fall with a crunch of graham cracker crust and a hint of cinnamon. As the days grow shorter and the nights more mysterious, this treat grounds the celebration in sweet nostalgia and seasonal joy. A perfect finale to your Halloween feast or a treat to share with loved ones in the crisp autumn air.