Description
Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars combine creamy pumpkin-spiced cheesecake layers with a crisp caramelized sugar topping for a perfect fall dessert. Easy to make and elegant to serve, these bars offer a rich, velvety texture with warm autumn flavors, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Crème Brûlée Topping
- Granulated sugar, for caramelizing (about 3-4 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. Crush the graham crackers finely and mix with melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture holds together well. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and set. Remove and allow to cool.
- Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add granulated and brown sugars, mixing well. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until the filling is silky and well combined.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center still has a slight wobble. Remove and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Create the Crème Brûlée Topping: Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the chilled bars. Caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch until it bubbles and reaches a rich amber color; alternatively, place under a high broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Let the caramelized sugar harden before slicing.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally, top each bar with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, toasted pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Do not overbake; the center should be slightly jiggly to keep the bars creamy.
- Chill the bars thoroughly before caramelizing to make the brûlée topping easier to achieve.
- A kitchen torch provides the best results for a professional caramelized top, but a broiler can be used carefully.
- For clean slices, use a hot knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry between cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg