Description
Indulge in the cozy, golden hues of autumn with these Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Featuring a decadent brown butter cinnamon graham cracker crust topped with a rich, spiced pumpkin cheesecake layer and finished with a homemade nutty butterscotch drizzle, these bars are the ultimate comfort dessert. Perfect for holiday brunches or quiet afternoons, these layered treats offer a sophisticated harmony of textures and flavors that feel like a warm embrace.
Ingredients
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup finely crushed pecans
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup butterscotch sauce
1/4 cup toasted pecan halves
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
Brown the 7 tablespoons of butter in a small pan until fragrant and golden, then mix with graham cracker crumbs, crushed pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth.
Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice, beating until well combined and creamy.
Pour the pumpkin cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to firm up.
Before serving, drizzle with butterscotch sauce and garnish with toasted pecan halves.
Notes
Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling. The bars set best after chilling overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg