Description

These pumpkin cheesecake bars are a creamy, comforting fall dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, spiced pumpkin cheesecake filling, and a healthier twist using Greek yogurt and maple syrup.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons coconut sugar or regular sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

6 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt

1/2 cup pumpkin purée

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons coconut sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil (or butter). Stir until evenly mixed.
Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add Greek yogurt, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, coconut sugar, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until well incorporated and creamy.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and slightly jiggly.
Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature for about an hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
Once chilled, slice into 12 bars and serve cold.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.

For a dairy-free option, swap cream cheese and yogurt for dairy-free alternatives.

To adjust sweetness, use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.

Add nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra crunch.

Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

For extra indulgence, serve with whipped cream or extra maple syrup.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 220
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 130mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg