Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Layers of Fall Deliciousness

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
  2. Make the Crust:
    • In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the crumbs resemble damp sand.
    • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a glass to pack it tightly. Bake for 8 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the fillings.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
    • Beat the cream cheese and sugar with a mixer until smooth and creamy (no lumps, please).
    • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside.
  4. Make the Pumpkin Layer:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and the egg until smooth.
  5. Layer the Bars:
    • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
    • Gently spoon the pumpkin mixture on top of the cheesecake layer and spread it out evenly. For a marbled effect, drag a knife through the layers in a swirling motion.
  6. Bake the Bars:
    • Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken.
  7. Cool and Chill:
    • Let the bars cool to room temperature in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
  8. Slice and Serve:
    • Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve chilled.

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