Spooky Sweetness: Halloween Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with a Twist

Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of fall and all its spooky charm. These Halloween Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful mix of creamy pumpkin filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, decorated with tiny ghost and pumpkin shapes. It’s like enjoying a cozy fall walk through crunchy leaves, with every bite a burst of seasonal flavor.

But what makes this recipe truly special is the unexpected hint of cinnamon and a dash of ginger that dance on your palate. Plus, the visual appeal is perfect for spooky gatherings, with black, orange, and ghostly white accents. It’s a treat that combines clever presentation with comforting, festive flavors.

Halloween Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars feature a creamy pumpkin filling infused with cinnamon and ginger atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Once baked, they have a smooth, dense texture with a slightly crumbly base, decorated for Halloween with fun ghost and pumpkin shapes. The vibrant orange filling and decorative touches make them a festive and inviting dessert.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Food processor or crumb crusher
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• Cookie cutters (ghost and pumpkin shapes)

Method

 

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9x13 inch baking pan to create an even crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until slightly golden, then let it cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add pumpkin, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, and salt, then whisk until fully combined and smooth, with no lumps.
3. Pour the pumpkin filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Smooth the surface for an even look.
4. Bake the assembled bars at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Once done, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
5. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes like ghosts and pumpkins from the cooled cheesecake and crust. Decorate the top with the shapes for a festive Halloween touch.
6. Arrange the shapes on top of the bars, and if desired, add additional decorations like mini chocolate chips or colored icing for spooky accents. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, this recipe makes a charming centerpiece for your haunted gathering. It’s a perfect way to end a night of costumes and candy with something that’s both impressive and incredibly delicious.

Daniel