The autumn of the year is one that causes many people to think about pumpkins. They are absolutely delicious and they make a wonderful meal, regardless of whether it is a side dish or a dessert. If you would like to have more pumpkin in your life, you don’t need to wait till the autumn to enjoy it. With these spicy pumpkin cheesecake bars, you are going to have the best of both worlds.
Cheesecake has always been a favorite for many people when it comes to eating desserts. When you combine the consistency along with the sweet taste, it provides something that is perfect for finishing off a delicious meal. Of course, cheesecake can also be made in many different ways and this pumpkin cheesecake is the perfect way to do it. Try making this one time and your family will bug you for it until you make it again.
Ingredients:
For the crust
1 1/2 cups graham crackers crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
For the filling
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 cup (8 ounces) canned pumpkin
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
For the garnish
Whipped cream
Pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
Heat oven to 300 degrees.
Line a 13×9 baking pan with parchment paper leaving about 1 inch of paper hanging on the sides.
In a medium size bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter.
Press the crust on the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside while making the filling.
Using a stand- or hand-mixer, add the cream cheese and sugar. Beat on low speed until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until blended.
Spoon half of the mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
To the remaining cream cheese mixture add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, whisk until smooth.
Carefully, spoon over mixture in pan.
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until just set. Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar allowing the cheesecake to slowly cool down for about 1 hour or so.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before cutting into bars.
Top each bar with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice.