Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

Amazing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping are a delightful treat perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in. These bars feature two layers of creamy cheesecake set atop a rich walnut crust and topped with a crunchy streusel. Their unique combination of flavors makes them a standout dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Layers: Enjoy the rich flavor of cheesecake combined with the sweetness of pumpkin, creating a truly unique dessert.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, these bars are easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a dessert for holidays, potlucks, or casual family dinners, these bars are suitable for any occasion.
• Texture Bliss: The contrast between the creamy cheesecake, crunchy walnut crust, and crumbly streusel topping creates a delightful eating experience.
• Make Ahead Treat: These bars can be made in advance and chilled, making them an ideal choice for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re cooled.
• Electric mixer: Ensures that cream cheese is smoothly mixed without lumps for a creamy texture in your cheesecake layers.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To create these Amazing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping, gather the following ingredients:

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 to make removing the bars easier later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Walnut Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine all crust ingredients until they are well mixed and have a wet consistency. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In another bowl, beat together room temperature cream cheese and white sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs one at a time while mixing thoroughly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin Flavor

To the remaining cream cheese mixture, add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Blend until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Layer Your Cheesecakes

Carefully pour the reserved plain cheesecake mixture over the walnut crust. Smooth it out evenly. Next, spoon the pumpkin cheesecake mixture gently over this layer without mixing them together.

Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together all streusel ingredients until it resembles wet crumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the pumpkin cheesecake layer.

Step 7: Bake

Place in preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 60–70 minutes or until set.

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked, let it cool slightly before transferring it to the fridge or freezer to chill. Chill for at least 2 hours before removing from pan and cutting into squares.

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Enjoy your homemade treat!

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

These delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are perfect for any occasion. Their rich flavors and creamy texture make them a delightful treat that can be served in various ways.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense bars, enhancing their sweetness.

Serve with Fresh Berries

• Garnish the bars with fresh raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color and a tart balance to the sweetness.

Accompany with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream makes for a decadent dessert experience that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A sweet caramel drizzle over the top can elevate your dessert, making each bite irresistible.

Present on a Festive Platter

• Arrange the bars on a decorative platter and sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top for an attractive presentation.

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

Achieving perfection in your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter that blends easily without lumps.

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

• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. They are done when the edges are set but the center may still have a slight jiggle.

• Cool Gradually: After baking, let your cheesecake cool in the pan before transferring it to the refrigerator. This helps prevent cracks from forming.

• Chill Thoroughly: For best flavor and texture, chill your cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours before serving.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Ginger Snap Cookies: These spicy cookies provide a crunchy contrast that complements the creamy cheesecake well.

2. Apple Crisp: The warm, spiced apples add another layer of fall flavors that pair beautifully with pumpkin.

3. Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai offers a cozy drink option that matches perfectly with pumpkin desserts.

4. Cinnamon Roll Casserole: This breakfast favorite features similar flavors and makes for an indulgent pairing at brunch gatherings.

5. Roasted Nuts: A mix of spiced roasted nuts can provide a crunchy snack that balances out the softness of the cheesecake bars.

6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can refresh the palate between bites of rich cheesecake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using pumpkin pie filling: Ensure you use 100% pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added spices and sugars that can alter the taste and texture of your bars.

• Not letting cream cheese soften: Using cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your cheesecake mixture. Always allow it to come to room temperature for a smooth consistency.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can incorporate too much air, which may cause cracks during baking. Mix until just combined for the best texture.

• Skipping the chilling time: Cutting the bars before they have chilled properly can lead to a messy serving. Always allow them to chill for at least two hours in the fridge.

• Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: An incorrect oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap before placing them in the container for easier access later.

Reheating Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making these delicious bars, here are some frequently asked questions:

Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?

You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds based on your preference. Both will provide a lovely flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have almond flour?

You can substitute almond flour with all-purpose flour or oat flour, but this may change the texture slightly.

How do I know when my cheesecake bars are done?

The edges should be set while the center may still slightly jiggle. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I customize the streusel topping?

Absolutely! You can add spices like nutmeg or ginger, or even mix in chocolate chips for extra flavor in your streusel topping.

How long do these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars last?

When stored properly, they will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different nuts or spices according to your taste. Perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home, these bars are sure to impress everyone who tries them. Give them a go and enjoy their rich flavors!