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Best Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Pecan Glaze

maple pumpkin cheesecake bars - featured image
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These creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety maple-pumpkin filling, and a crunchy pecan glaze. They’re the perfect fall dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (two 8-ounce blocks)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in 6 tablespoons of melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture looks like wet sand and holds together when pressed. Transfer to the prepared pan and press down firmly and evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add ¾ cup granulated sugar and beat for another minute until light and fluffy.
  4. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
  5. Add 1 cup pumpkin puree, ¼ cup pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until just combined.
  6. Sprinkle in 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed until evenly distributed. Scrape down the bowl.
  7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust. Spread into an even layer. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly when shaken. The surface should look matte. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  10. About 30 minutes before serving, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it boil for 1 minute without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¾ cup chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  11. Pour the warm pecan glaze over the chilled cheesecake bars, spreading evenly. Return to the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let the glaze set slightly. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and slice into 16 squares. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Notes

Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter to avoid cracks. Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs. Press the crust firmly and pre-bake for a crunchy texture. Chill the bars for at least 4 hours before slicing. The glaze can be made nut-free by substituting pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake bars, maple pumpkin bars, pecan glaze, fall dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin bars, cheesecake bars

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/best-maple-pumpkin-cheesecake-bars-with-pecan-glaze/