Description
A decadent fall dessert combining a fudgy chocolate crust with a smooth, spiced pumpkin cheesecake filling. These creamy pumpkin chocolate cheesecake bars are easy to make, perfect for holiday gatherings, and can be adapted to fit gluten-free and dairy-free diets.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (gluten-free if needed)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup until fully combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add pumpkin puree, yogurt, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- If using, sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden and the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle.
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
Use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt to make this recipe completely dairy-free.
Crushed chocolate cookies can be used instead of graham crackers for a double chocolate crust.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving for added richness.
Bars can be frozen and thawed overnight in the fridge for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
