Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

Amazing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping are the perfect dessert for any occasion. These bars feature a luscious pumpkin cheesecake layered atop a crunchy walnut crust, all finished with a delightful streusel topping. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, family get-together, or just a cozy night in, these bars bring warmth and flavor to every table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavors: The combination of pumpkin, creamy cheese, and spices creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip these up quickly.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or as an everyday treat.
• Two Layers of Delight: Enjoy both classic cheesecake and pumpkin flavors in one bar.
• Nutty Crunch: The walnut crust adds a satisfying texture that balances the creaminess.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 8×8-inch baking dish: Ensures even cooking and the perfect size for cutting bars.
• Parchment paper: Makes it easy to remove the bars without sticking.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a smooth cheesecake mixture without lumps.

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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, almond meal
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

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

Mix together the finely chopped walnuts, almond flour, white sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese and white sugar using an electric mixer until smooth. Add in eggs one at a time while mixing. Remove 1 ½ cups of this mixture and pour it over your walnut crust. Smooth it out evenly.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin Flavor

Into the remaining cheesecake mixture, fold in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Layering the Mixtures

Carefully spoon the orange pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the white cheesecake layer on the crust. Avoid mixing them together for visual contrast.

Step 6: Prepare Streusel Topping

In another bowl, blend together oats, flours, sugars, softened butter, and vanilla until crumbly but wet. Sprinkle this streusel mixture evenly over the pumpkin layer.

Step 7: Baking Time

Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 60-70 minutes or until set in the center.

Step 8: Cooling Down

After baking, allow to cool slightly before placing in refrigerator or freezer to chill for at least two hours before slicing into bars. Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars!

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 served in various ways. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added creaminess and a beautiful presentation.

Serve with a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

• A warm drizzle of caramel sauce over the bars adds sweetness and complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly.

Accompany with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream provides a delicious contrast to the rich cheesecake, making each bite even more indulgent.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor boost that pairs well with the crust.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Serve these bars alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

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

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out amazing every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth consistency without lumps.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks during baking.

• Check for Doneness: Bake until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools, preventing overbaking.

• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the bars to chill in the fridge enhances their flavor and makes them easier to cut into neat squares.

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

For an unforgettable meal, consider pairing your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with one or more side dishes. These options complement the dessert beautifully.

1. Crisp Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the cheesecake bars.

2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots add savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet desserts.

3. Stuffed Acorn Squash: A hearty stuffed acorn squash provides warmth and earthiness, enhancing fall flavors alongside pumpkin cheesecake bars.

4. Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes blend well and bring out complementary flavors without overwhelming sweetness.

5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide diverse textures and flavors that pair wonderfully before indulging in dessert.

6. Fruit Compote: A homemade fruit compote made from seasonal fruits adds brightness and acidity that lifts the rich cheesecake flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not using room temperature cream cheese – Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your cheesecake filling. Make sure to let it sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.

• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can incorporate air, leading to cracks while baking. Mix until just combined for a smoother texture.

• Skipping the chilling time – Not allowing the cheesecake bars to chill can result in a soft texture. Be patient and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

• Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin – Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugars that will alter the recipe. Always choose pure pumpkin puree for accurate flavor.

• Not greasing the parchment paper – If you skip this step, the bars may stick to the paper, making them hard to cut. Lightly grease your parchment paper for easy removal.

• Baking at the wrong temperature – Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An incorrect temperature can affect cooking time and texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover 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.
• item Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat bars for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop – Use a non-stick pan over low heat, cover, and warm bars gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping:

Can I use other nuts in the crust?

You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor.

How long do Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping last?

They typically last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour to make them gluten-free.

What’s the best way to cut these cheesecake bars?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water; this will help create cleaner cuts without crumbling.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips can be mixed into either layer for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with various nuts or spices according to your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite of these delightful treats!