Ingredients
Scale
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 large eggs
For substitutions, you can use gingersnap crumbs instead of graham crackers for an extra spiced kick, or swap out the brown sugar for honey if you’re in a pinch.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to whip up a batch of these delicious bars:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
- Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars. Enjoy the creamy, spiced goodness!
Personal tip: If you’re anything like me, you’ll find a little humor in the inevitable crumb trail you’ll leave while making these. It’s just part of the process!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, recipe, cooking, food
