Introduction
If you’re dreaming of Thanksgiving desserts that combine cozy spices with creamy sweetness, these Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the treat you’ll make again and again. Imagine a buttery graham crust topped with a silky pumpkin layer that tastes like the holidays in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a family feast or a relaxed fall evening, this recipe brings that homemade charm without the fuss of a full cheesecake. Plus, it slices neatly and travels well — perfect for sharing at potlucks or gifting to friends.
Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Desserts
These pumpkin cheesecake bars are everything we love about Thanksgiving desserts. They’re creamy, spiced just right, and come together quickly with pantry staples. The texture balances rich cheesecake smoothness with light pumpkin spice notes that feel comforting but never heavy.
In addition, you can make them ahead of time, freeing you up to focus on the turkey and sides. Each square is a bite of Thanksgiving joy made simple — and that’s what makes this recipe such a keeper.
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Thanksgiving Desserts Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake bars on a buttery crust — the perfect make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs – 1 ½ cups
- Melted butter – 6 tbsp
- Cream cheese – 16 oz
- Pumpkin purée – 1 cup
- Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
- Brown sugar – ¼ cup
- Eggs – 2
- Pumpkin pie spice – 1 ½ tsp
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Salt – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1.Mix graham crumbs and butter; press into pan.
2.Beat cream cheese and sugars until smooth.
3.Add eggs, vanilla, salt; mix well.
4.Blend in pumpkin and spice.
5.Pour over crust; bake 35–40 min at 325°F.
6.Cool fully; chill 3 hrs before slicing.
Notes
Best served chilled. Store in fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | 1 ½ cups |
| Melted butter | 6 tablespoons |
| Cream cheese, softened | 16 ounces |
| Pumpkin purée | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
Substitutions
You can easily make these bars gluten-free by using certified gluten-free graham crackers. For a dairy-free twist, swap in vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter.
If you prefer a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light. In addition, try gingersnap crumbs for the crust to add an extra spice kick that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Combine graham crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan to form the base. Chill for 10 minutes while you make the filling.
Step 2: Make the cheesecake layer
Next, beat the softened cream cheese and sugars until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and salt. Continue mixing until creamy with no lumps.
Step 3: Add pumpkin and spices
Then, blend in the pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice until fully combined. The batter will turn a soft orange color with a warm, spiced aroma.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the mixture over the chilled crust. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set. Avoid overbaking to keep the texture creamy.
Step 5: Cool and chill
Finally, let the bars cool completely. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing. This resting time helps the cheesecake set beautifully and slice cleanly.
For another cozy fall treat, try our pumpkin chocolate brownies — they’re rich, fudgy, and full of seasonal spice.
Pro Tips
Bring your cream cheese to room temperature before mixing — it prevents lumps and keeps the batter smooth. To slice clean bars, use a hot knife wiped between cuts.
If you’re short on time, you can prepare these bars a day in advance; they taste even better after chilling overnight. For an added flourish, top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or crushed pecans right before serving. For breakfast the next day, pair them with a slice of honey banana bread and hot coffee for a cozy start.
Thanksgiving Dessert Variations & Substitutions
You can also make a no-bake version by using whipped cream cheese and omitting the eggs. Chill it overnight to set the filling completely.
To make it vegan, swap in dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream. A gingersnap crust adds bold flavor, while a chocolate cookie base brings a rich twist. In addition, you can swirl in caramel or drizzle melted white chocolate for a festive touch that feels both special and easy.
Serve It With
Serve these bars with hot apple cider, fresh coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They also pair beautifully with a cranberry pecan cheese ball or a bowl of honeynut squash soup for a full Thanksgiving spread that balances savory and sweet.
Storage & Reheat
Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Avoid microwaving — the chilled texture keeps each bar creamy and firm.
Nutrition
Each bar offers about 280 calories, with 5g protein, 18g fat, and 26g carbohydrates. The mix of cream cheese and pumpkin adds a bit of calcium and beta carotene, creating a satisfying sweet finish without being overly rich.
FAQs
Costco’s pumpkin cheesecake is known for its generous size and mild spice flavor. However, homemade bars like these give you full control over sweetness and texture — plus they taste fresher and can be made in smaller batches.
Use fresh pumpkin pie spice, real vanilla, and a touch of brown sugar for depth. In addition, adding a hint of maple syrup or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking enhances flavor beautifully.
Crushed pecans, caramel drizzle, chocolate curls, or whipped cream all work wonderfully. Around Thanksgiving, try adding candied ginger or cinnamon sugar for a seasonal finish.
Avoid overmixing the batter and bake at a moderate temperature. Then, let the bars cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked open for 10 minutes. This prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.
More Like This
If you loved these Thanksgiving desserts try our snowball cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic. You’ll also enjoy ghost cupcakes, Maple Pecan Blondies, and Salted Caramel Pumpkin Trifle — all perfect additions to your Thanksgiving dessert table.
Save This Recipe for Later
Love these pumpkin cheesecake bars? Save this recipe on Pinterest under your Thanksgiving Desserts board or bookmark it for your next fall celebration.
For more cozy, easy dessert ideas, visit RecipesFlash.com.