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To make pumpkin cheesecake crumble bars, you need these tasty items: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon nutmeg - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ teaspoon salt - ½ cup chopped pecans (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture. If you need to swap some items, here are some ideas: - Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. - If you lack graham crackers, try digestive biscuits for a similar crust. - Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a less processed choice. - You can use pumpkin spice if you do not have cinnamon and nutmeg. Feel free to customize your bars! Here are some fun extras to consider: - Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. - Drizzle caramel sauce on top for a rich flavor. - Mix in some dried cranberries for a tart contrast. - Chopped pecans add a nice crunch, but you can skip them if you prefer. These ingredients create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Enjoy experimenting with your own touches! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8-inch square baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted butter. Stir until it's mixed well. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking pan. Make sure it is even and packed tight. In a large bowl, beat 1 package of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Mix until smooth. Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Blend until creamy and well combined. Sprinkle half of the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg mixture over the crust. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling on top of the crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Then, take the remaining crumble mixture and sprinkle it over the filling. Optionally, add ½ cup of chopped pecans for extra crunch. Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. They are done when the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean from the edges. After baking, let the pan cool for at least 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step helps the bars to set perfectly. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy! To get a great crust, use fresh graham cracker crumbs. You can crush the crackers in a food processor for a fine texture. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until they look like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking pan. This helps it hold together well when baked. Make sure to press all the way to the edges. A sturdy crust is key for great bars. For a smooth filling, let your cream cheese soften at room temperature. This helps it blend well with other ingredients. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until they are smooth before adding pumpkin. Adding the eggs one at a time can also help keep the texture creamy. Make sure to mix just enough to combine everything. Over-mixing can add air and make your filling puff up. One common mistake is not baking long enough. The center should be set and a toothpick should come out clean. If it’s too wobbly, bake a few more minutes. Another mistake is skipping the cooling time. Let your bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set better. Finally, don’t forget to chill them in the fridge for at least two hours. Chilling improves the flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can make these bars healthier with a few swaps. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and nutrition. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index. For a lower-fat option, swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt. It keeps the creamy texture while cutting fat. Want to mix it up? You can add chocolate or caramel for extra flavor. Drizzle caramel sauce on top before baking. You can also fold in chocolate chips into the cheesecake mix. Dark chocolate chips work great for a rich taste. For a fun twist, add a pinch of orange zest. This will brighten the flavor and make it special. If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or gluten-free graham crackers. These will keep the crust tasty and safe for gluten-free eaters. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Use a vegan cream cheese to keep the creamy texture. These swaps let everyone enjoy these tasty bars! To keep your pumpkin cheesecake crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help keep the bars moist and tasty. Make sure they are fully cooled before you cover them. If you have leftover bars, you can layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When stored properly, these bars can last in the fridge for about five days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. To freeze the bars, cut them into squares first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back their delightful texture. Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. First, cook the pumpkin until soft. Then, mash it to get a smooth puree. This makes your bars taste fresh and bright. Just be sure to measure the same amount as canned pumpkin. Your bars are done when the center is set. Insert a toothpick into the edges. If it comes out clean, they are ready. The top should look slightly golden, and the edges should pull away from the pan. Absolutely! You can make these bars one day ahead. After baking, let them cool. Then, cover and refrigerate. This will help the flavors meld. Plus, they will be ready to serve when you need them. These bars pair well with whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds richness. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra delight. Don’t forget a sprinkle of cinnamon for that cozy touch! This blog post covered all you need for Pumpkin Cheesecake Crumble Bars. We discussed the ingredients, including measurements, optional add-ins, and substitutions. The step-by-step instructions made the baking easy. Tips helped to avoid common mistakes and perfect your bars. Variations showed ways to switch flavors or make it healthier. Lastly, the storage info ensures your treats last longer. Enjoy making and sharing these bars, knowing they will impress friends and family.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Crumble Bars

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Pumpkin Cheesecake Crumble Bars! This easy recipe blends creamy pumpkin cheesecake with a crunchy topping for a delicious dessert perfect for any gathering. Made with simple ingredients, they’re sure to impress your friends and family. Ready to bake? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a slice of autumn bliss today!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

    In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.

      In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the crust and set aside the other half for the crumble topping.

        In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fully combined and creamy.

          Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

            Take the remaining crumble mixture and sprinkle it generously over the pumpkin filling. If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top as well for extra crunch.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean from the edges.

                Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for the best texture.

                  Once cooled and set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

                    - Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 16 bars