Pumpkin Churro Cheesecake Bars

Get ready to fall in love with these Pumpkin Churro Cheesecake Bars—a heavenly mash-up of rich, creamy cheesecake, sweet cinnamon sugar, and all the cozy flavors of pumpkin. Picture a buttery, spiced crust that melts in your mouth, topped with a smooth, velvety pumpkin cheesecake filling. Then, a dusting of cinnamon sugar gives each bite that irresistible churro crunch. It’s like the perfect fall dessert in every layer! Whether you’re serving them at a fall gathering or just indulging in some cozy sweetness, these bars are bound to be a hit. Trust me, after you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Churro Cheesecake Bars

• Fall Flavor in Every Bite: The pumpkin, cinnamon, and sugar combo is the essence of fall in dessert form. Each bite is like wrapping yourself in a warm sweater on a crisp day.
• Crispy and Creamy: The churro crust adds that perfect crispy texture, while the cheesecake filling is soft and creamy—a truly balanced bite in every forkful.
• Easy to Make: No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. Just simple, accessible ingredients that come together beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Delight: These bars can be made ahead of time, which means they’re perfect for entertaining, holiday dinners, or a sweet treat whenever you’re craving something indulgent.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The mix of pumpkin and cinnamon sugar is universally loved, making these bars an easy win for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Churro Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: This makes the base of the crust, giving it that signature texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich sweetness to balance the spiced crust.
• Cinnamon: A key flavor to tie the churro theme together.
• Butter: Helps the crust come together and adds richness.

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream Cheese: The creamy base of the cheesecake that makes it so velvety and rich.
• Pumpkin Puree: This gives the cheesecake its pumpkin flavor and beautiful color.
• Sugar: To sweeten the filling just right.
• Eggs: Help set the cheesecake and give it the perfect texture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: These warm spices give the cheesecake that irresistible fall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors in the filling.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• Cinnamon: The star of the topping, giving it that signature churro flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon for that perfect dusting.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until everything is fully combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until it’s golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cheesecake might crack when baking.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture on top of the slightly cooled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula, making sure the filling is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the bars in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top may still jiggle a bit, but it will firm up as it cools.

Step 5: Add the Churro Topping

Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the churro topping. Once the bars are cool, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top for that signature churro crunch!

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor). Once they’re chilled, slice into squares and serve. Enjoy these creamy, cinnamon-spiced bars with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 80%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Pumpkin Churro Cheesecake Bars

• With Whipped Cream: Top these bars with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: These bars are the perfect companion to a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, making for a delightful dessert experience.
• With Ice Cream: For a truly decadent treat, serve these cheesecake bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Crispy Crust Tip: If you want a crunchier crust, you can toast the graham cracker crumbs in the oven for a few minutes before mixing with the butter and baking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these bars without pumpkin?
A1: Absolutely! If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with sweet potato puree or even regular cheesecake filling for a different flavor.

Q2: Can I use a different kind of crust?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the graham cracker crust with a ginger snap cookie crust for an extra zing or use a gluten-free option if needed.

Q3: Can I make these bars without the cinnamon sugar topping?
A3: You can definitely leave out the cinnamon sugar topping if you prefer. It adds an extra layer of flavor, but the bars will still be delicious without it.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

Q5: Can I make these bars dairy-free?
A5: Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free butter alternative for the crust to make these bars dairy-free.

Q6: How can I make these bars spicier?
A6: To add a little extra kick, you can increase the amount of cinnamon and ginger in the filling, or add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a more complex flavor.

Q7: Can I add a swirl to the cheesecake?
A7: Yes! You can swirl some caramel sauce or chocolate ganache into the cheesecake filling before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.

Q8: Can I use a different kind of sugar?
A8: Yes, you can use white sugar, coconut sugar, or a sugar substitute for the filling and crust. Just keep in mind that it might affect the flavor slightly.

Q9: What kind of pan should I use?
A9: An 8×8-inch baking pan works perfectly for this recipe, but you can also use a 9×9-inch pan if you prefer slightly thinner bars.

Q10: Can I make these bars in advance for a party?
A10: Yes, these bars are perfect for make-ahead desserts. Just chill them overnight and they’ll be ready to serve when you need them!

Conclusion

Pumpkin Churro Cheesecake Bars are everything you want in a fall dessert—creamy, spiced, and with just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re enjoying them for Thanksgiving, a cozy afternoon treat, or a special occasion, these bars will make every bite feel like a celebration. Enjoy the flavors of fall in every indulgent slice!

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