Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

October 31, 2013

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, is one of my standard Pumpkin Patch Party recipes. But mind you, this is not just a Halloween recipe. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a nice addition anytime! They are perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert table, too…or just about any time you feel like something sweet. Pumpkin, cream cheese, oatmeal, pecans, and a generous dash of cinnamon…sounds like Fall to me!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are one of my favorite go-to recipes for several reasons… they’re delicious, secondly, because they freeze well. I can make them up to a month ahead for the party. This recipe makes 16 generous bars, but for my party, I cut them smaller and have at least 30. The recipe doubles easily for a big crowd…oh, that’s reason #3…

They also make a perfect little dessert served warm with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Either way, Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a great little recipe to add to your Fall collection. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 stick cold butter, divided
1 cup finely chopped pecans, divided
1/2 cup dry oatmeal
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup canned pumpkin ~ not pie filling
2 eggs
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

Combine flour, brown sugar. Cut in 5 TBLS of the butter. Add 1/2 cup pecans. Reserve 3/4 cup of this for topping. Press remainder into bottom of 8x8 square pan. Bake 350* 15 mins, and edges begin to brown. Cool slightly.
Combine, Pumpkin. cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and eggs. Beat until smooth with an electric hand mixer.
Pour into crust.
For topping: Add the oatmeal and rest of the stick of butter (3 TBLS) and cut into the reserved flour mixture. Add remaining nuts until combined.
Sprinkle topping over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon over top.
Bake 350* 30-40 minutes. Cool slightly before slicing. Or wait until completely cooled.
Serve with whipped cream and dust with cinnamon. Enjoy!

https://joytomyheart.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-bars/