Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with spiced pumpkin and a decadent chocolate swirl. Perfect for fall and holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, soft pumpkin cheesecake filling infused with pumpkin pie spice, and luscious melted chocolate swirls creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Swirl
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- Prepare the Crust: Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan to form an even, sturdy base.
- Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Prepare the Chocolate Swirl: Melt the chocolate chips gently in a microwave or over a double boiler. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Create the Swirls: Pour half of the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the crust. Drizzle the melted chocolate over it in a thin ribbon pattern. Pour the remaining pumpkin mixture on top. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the chocolate through the pumpkin batter to create marbled patterns.
- Bake and Cool: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45-50 minutes or until the center is just set but slightly jiggly. Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld and firm up the texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Mix just until combined to keep the cheesecake light and creamy.
- Choose high-quality chocolate for better melting and richer flavor.
- Cool thoroughly and refrigerate before slicing for clean cuts without crumbling.
- Line the pan with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of the bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16th of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pumpkin cheesecake bars, chocolate swirl dessert, fall desserts, pumpkin pie bars, cheesecake bars