Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars: A Delightful Fall Indulgence

When autumn arrives, there’s nothing quite like the inviting aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through the house. These Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars encapsulate the very essence of the season, blending creamy cheesecake with the warm, nostalgic flavors of pumpkin pie and the irresistible texture of a perfectly torched crème brûlée. Imagine slicing into these luscious bars, only to discover a velvety, spiced filling beneath a crisp surface that crackles with each bite. They are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a fantastic treat for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a cozy night in. These bars capture a harmonious balance of flavors and textures—you will find yourself swooning with every luscious bite.

Are You Ready to Indulge in Pumpkin Delights?

Have you ever found yourself craving that sweet, nostalgic combination of pumpkin and spice on a crisp autumn evening? What if you could awaken your taste buds with each heavenly bite of a creamy, pumpkin-infused dessert that boasts a dazzling brûléed top? Imagine sharing these decadent bars with loved ones and hearing their delighted gasps as they enjoy a slice, all while your home fills with the warm, inviting aromas of fall. The pumpkin crème brûlée cheesecake bars are simply begging to be on your dessert table this season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for these Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars:

• Easy Preparation: Whip these bars up without any fuss, making them perfect for both seasoned bakers and novices alike.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are bound to delight everyone at your gathering, converting even the most skeptical dessert lovers.
• Nostalgic Flavors: They encapsulate the essence of fall, bringing warm memories of pumpkin patches and family gatherings to your table.
• Versatile Presentation: Serve them as a festive dessert or an elegant treat; they fit perfectly in any occasion.

Ingredients

To create these sumptuous Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

• 9 (135 grams) whole graham crackers
• 5 tablespoons (71 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (340 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (244 grams) pure pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for the brûlée topping)

Each ingredient contributes to the rich, creamy, and spiced flavors that will have you savoring every last morsel. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a perfect base for the creamy filling, melding textures that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Timing

One of the best parts about these bars is their relatively quick preparation and indulgent results. These luscious treats take just about 15 minutes to prepare, plus baking and cooling time. In total, you can expect a delightful dessert within about 3 hours—perfect for those last-minute cravings or surprise gatherings. However, if you can resist diving in right away, waiting means your bars will chill and set properly, resulting in an even more delightful texture.

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial heat is essential for achieving that perfect crust.

2. Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8-inch square baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift out the bars after baking.

3. Make the crust: Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until finely crushed. Mix in the melted butter and press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes until deliciously golden.

4. Add chocolate: Scatter the semisweet chocolate chips over the crust and return the pan to the oven for another 2 minutes. Remove it and use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the warm crust. Allow it to cool completely.

5. Prepare the filling: Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, pure pumpkin puree, eggs, extra yolk, vanilla extract, flour, sea salt, and fragrant spices. Blend until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

6. Combine and bake: Pour the pumpkin mixture over the cooled crust and smooth it out. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle when shaken gently.

7. Cool and chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the bars to let them set further.

8. Prep for brûlée finish: Lift the bars from the pan using the foil overhang and slice them into squares. Sprinkle each square with granulated sugar.

9. Brûlée time: Using a culinary torch or broiler, carefully melt the sugared surface until it reaches a deep amber color. Watch as the sugar transforms into a sweet, crackly topping!

10. Serve: Let the bars cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

With each step, the anticipation builds, and once you take that first bite, you will be met with an explosion of pumpkin flavor that sings joy through every creamy, crunchy, and sweet morsel.

Nutritional Information

These Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars are a decadent treat, and indulging occasionally is what life’s all about! Each bar contains approximately 290 calories, with a wonderful balance of delightful flavors and textures. While they may be a dessert indulgence, you can enjoy them knowing you’re partaking in a little sweet escape.

Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to make these bars a bit lighter, consider these healthier alternatives:

• Low-sugar options: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia to reduce the calorie count while still achieving a sweet flavor.
• Dairy-free swaps: Substitute cashew cream cheese for regular cream cheese and a dairy-free chocolate option for added richness without the dairy.

With these substitutions, you can savor the deliciousness of Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars guilt-free!

Serving Suggestions

These bars shine brightly in the limelight, but they become even more delightful when served with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream: The creaminess of the ice cream complements the rich cheesecake perfectly.
• A dollop of whipped cream: Enhance the experience with fresh whipped cream lightly sweetened.
• Perfect for holidays: Serve them at Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any fall celebration—you’ll be the toast of the table!

Common Mistakes

While making these bars, ensure you avoid common pitfalls that could lead to less-than-perfect results:

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent a dry texture; remember the bars should still jiggle slightly in the center.
• Texture issues: If not blended properly, the filling can be lumpy; beat the cream cheese until completely smooth before adding other ingredients.
• Messy slices: Ensure the bars are fully chilled before cutting for cleaner, more presentable squares.

Storing Tips

To keep these bars fresh and delectable:

• Freezing portions: Wrap individually or place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheating: If you prefer them warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for just a few seconds—just be careful not to overdo it!

Tempted to Bake Them ASAP?

Give in to your sweet cravings and bake these delightful Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars today! They are an irresistible treat that promises to delight your taste buds and fill your home with the comforting essence of autumn. Don’t miss out on this luscious dessert that’s meant to be shared—but be ready for everyone to ask for seconds!

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
   Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfectly fine and convenient for this recipe.

2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
   The bars should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes! They can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

4. What if I don’t have a torch for the brûlée topping?
   You can use your oven’s broiler; just watch closely to avoid burning the sugary topping.

5. Will these bars work in a larger baking dish?
   While you can try it, the baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the dish used. Just ensure the filling is set!

Indulge your senses and try these Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars—your taste buds will thank you!

Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: melon-claire
• Total Time: 180 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicious Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars that combine creamy cheesecake with pumpkin pie flavors and a caramelized top.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 (135 grams) whole graham crackers
• 5 tablespoons (71 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (340 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (244 grams) pure pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for the brûlée topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides.
3. Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until finely crushed. Mix in the melted butter and press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes until golden.
4. Scatter chocolate chips over the crust, return to the oven for 2 minutes, then spread melted chocolate evenly over the crust. Allow cooling completely.
5. Lower oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Beat cream cheese until smooth in a mixing bowl. Add granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, flour, sea salt, and spices. Blend until just combined.
6. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the cooled crust and smooth out. Bake for 45 minutes or until set with a slight jiggle.
7. Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Refrigerate to set further.
8. Lift the bars from the pan using the foil and slice into squares. Sprinkle each square with granulated sugar.
9. Using a culinary torch or broiler, melt the sugared surface until golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For best results, chill bars completely before cutting. Be careful when using the torch to brûlée the topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 53 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg