Description

A forgiving, beginner-proof dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, rich pumpkin cream cheese filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. No water bath or fancy equipment required.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:
1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
For the Pumpkin Filling:
16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
15 oz (425g) 100% pure pumpkin puree
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, cold or softened
½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir until it resembles wet sand.
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and let cool while making the filling.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until combined.
Add pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix on low speed or whisk by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Rub with fingers or a fork until coarse clumps form.
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the pumpkin filling.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly puffed, but the center should have a slight jiggle.
Cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracks. The bars continue to cook as they cool, so pull them when the center still jiggles slightly. Chill thoroughly for clean slices.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 24
Sodium: 220
Fat: 16
Saturated Fat: 9
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4

Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake bars, streusel topping, fall dessert, easy baking, no water bath, pumpkin puree, cream cheese bars