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Best Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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These maple pecan pumpkin cheesecake bars feature a buttery pecan crust, a creamy spiced pumpkin cheesecake filling, and a glossy maple glaze. They’re the perfect fall dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups pecan halves (toasted for extra flavor, or raw if you prefer)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (two 8-ounce blocks, full-fat)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup toasted pecan pieces for garnish (optional)
  • Extra maple syrup drizzle for presentation (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

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 grease the parchment with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Make the Pecan Crust: In a food processor, pulse the pecan halves until finely ground (coarse sand texture). Transfer to a medium bowl and add flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir to combine. Pour in melted butter and vanilla extract, mix with a fork until the mixture looks like wet sand and holds together when pressed. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and crust smells toasty. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Scrape down sides. Add granulated sugar and beat for another 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Add vanilla extract and mix briefly.
  4. Add the Pumpkin Layer: In a separate small bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Add this pumpkin mixture to the cream cheese mixture and fold gently with a spatula until just combined (uniform color, no streaks). Pour filling over pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Tap pan gently on counter to release air bubbles.
  5. Bake the Bars: Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Edges should look set and slightly puffed, center will still have a slight jiggle. If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during last 10 minutes.
  6. Cool Completely: Remove pan from oven and place on a cooling rack. Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then transfer to refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. Make the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Consistency should be thick but pourable. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  8. Slice and Serve: Once bars are fully chilled and firm, use parchment overhang to lift entire block out of pan onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 equal squares (4 rows by 4 rows) using a sharp knife, wiping clean between each slice. Drizzle maple glaze over bars and sprinkle with toasted pecan pieces and flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for a smooth filling. Do not over-bake; the center should still jiggle slightly. Chill for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) for clean slices. Toast pecans for deeper flavor. Use a sharp knife run under hot water for neat cuts.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/best-maple-pecan-pumpkin-cheesecake-bars-recipe/