Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

Amazing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These bars feature two layers of rich cheesecake resting on a cinnamon almond walnut crust, all finished with a delicious streusel topping. They are sure to impress your friends and family at gatherings, holidays, or just as a special dessert at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, comforting flavor that enhances any fall celebration.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for dessert tables, potlucks, or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to swap out nuts or add chocolate chips for an extra touch!
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this show-stopping dessert.
• Feeding a Crowd: With 16 servings, these bars are ideal for larger gatherings without the hassle of individual cupcakes.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish (8×8-inch)
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking and easy removal of the bars.
• Electric mixer: Saves time when blending cream cheese and sugar for a smooth cheesecake mixture.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down bowls and spreading mixtures evenly in the baking dish.

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Ingredients

Amazing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars — two layers of delicious cheesecake on a rich cinnamon almond walnut crust all topped with an easy streusel.

For the Walnut Crust

• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 cup almond flour, or almond meal
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 6 oz 100% pumpkin puree, about 1/2 cup + 2 T. (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 (8 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 tsp pumpkin spice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1/2 cup flour
• 6 T. salted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Walnut Crust

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine walnuts, almond flour, white sugar, and melted butter.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In another bowl:
1. Using an electric mixer, blend room temperature cream cheese with white sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture and pour the rest over the walnut crust. Smooth it out evenly.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin Puree

To the reserved cream cheese mixture:
1. Stir in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice until fully incorporated.
2. Carefully spoon this orange mixture over the white cheesecake layer in the baking dish without mixing them together.

Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl:
1. Blend together white sugar, brown sugar, oats, flour, softened butter, and vanilla.
2. The mixture should be wet but crumbly.
3. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the pumpkin cheesecake layer.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until set and lightly golden on top.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Once baked:
1. Allow to cool slightly in the pan.
2. Transfer to the fridge or freezer to chill for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.

Enjoy these flavorful Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Serve Warm

• Serving warm allows the creamy layers to be extra smooth and inviting. Just let them cool slightly after baking for the perfect temperature.

Top with Whipped Cream

• Adding a dollop of whipped cream on top provides a light and airy contrast to the dense cheesecake. You can use dairy or non-dairy whipped toppings.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel adds sweetness and a rich flavor that complements the pumpkin. Make sure to use a high-quality sauce for the best taste.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Serving these bars alongside your favorite coffee or tea creates a comforting experience. The warm beverage balances the flavors beautifully.

Add Fresh Fruit

• A side of fresh berries or sliced apples adds a refreshing element. The tartness of the fruit contrasts nicely with the sweet cheesecake bars.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

Perfecting your pumpkin cheesecake bars is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips for achieving the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother filling without lumps.

• Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can add air into the batter, leading to cracks during baking. Mix just until combined for the best texture.

• Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different, so check for doneness around 60 minutes. The center should be set but slightly jiggly.

• Cool Gradually: Letting the bars cool slowly helps prevent cracks on top. Avoid placing them directly in the fridge right after baking.

• Chill Before Cutting: Chilling for at least two hours makes cutting easier and enhances the flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and coldness, balancing out the warmth of the bars.

2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color, making it visually appealing while providing a refreshing contrast.

3. Cheeseboard: A selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits offers diverse textures and flavors that complement each bite of cheesecake.

4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunchiness and flavor depth, enhancing the overall taste experience when enjoyed together.

5. Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce can add an indulgent touch, creating a delightful combination with pumpkin flavors.

6. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips dusted with cinnamon sugar provide a fun crunch that pairs well with creamy cheesecake bars.

7. Apple Cider: A glass of warm apple cider brings out the fall flavors in your dessert, making it a perfect seasonal drink choice.

8. Caramel Popcorn: Sweet, crunchy popcorn offers a playful texture contrast while echoing caramel notes found in many desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping from good to great.

• Skipping the chilling time – Not allowing the bars to chill properly can result in a runny texture. Always chill for at least two hours before serving.
• Not using room temperature ingredients – Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps. Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can introduce air, causing cracks during baking. Blend just until combined for a creamy texture.
• Ignoring the crust preparation – A well-pressed crust is essential for structure. Press firmly and evenly into the baking dish to avoid crumbling later.
• Underestimating baking times – Each oven is different. Monitor your bars closely towards the end of baking to prevent overcooking or undercooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Keep your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
• item They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

• item Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• item These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet covered with foil and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual servings on medium power for about 15-20 seconds, checking regularly to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until warm throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are done?

The bars are ready when the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or swap nuts based on your preference for added flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have almond flour?

You can substitute almond flour with regular all-purpose flour or even gluten-free flour if needed while maintaining similar results.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars store well, making them perfect for preparing a day in advance or even freezing for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping offer delightful layers of flavor that blend beautifully together. Their versatility allows you to customize them easily according to your taste preferences. Whether served at gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself, they promise satisfaction in every bite. Give this recipe a try!