Description
Pumpkin Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars are a rich and creamy fall dessert made with a spiced graham cracker crust, a luscious pumpkin cheesecake filling, and swirls of sweet, caramel-like dulce de leche — perfect for holidays or anytime you crave a seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup dulce de leche (plus extra for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, spices, and salt. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Dollop the dulce de leche on top and use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it into the batter.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly. Cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Drizzle with additional dulce de leche before serving. Slice into bars and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
- Use canned dulce de leche or make your own by simmering sweetened condensed milk.
- Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Garnish with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg