Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

These Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a dream dessert for the fall season. The bars blend layers and flavors of a pecan shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake, warm pumpkin and cinnamon all topped with a sweet crunchy pecan pie topping.

These bars combine so many delicious flavors into one delicious dessert, with a creamy cheesecake layer, and a rich pumpkin cheesecake and the best sweet pecan topping. These bars are as delicious as they are beautiful.

They’re perfect for a holiday gathering, like the Thanksgiving dessert table, or for a cozy evening treat anytime.

Why make this recipe

• Four Layers of Flavor: You get the flavors of pumpkin cheesecake, traditional cheesecake, pecan shortbread, and pecan pie all in one bite!
• Make Ahead Option: These bars need to be refrigerated, and the flavors get even better when chilled overnight. So they’re ideal for making ahead of time for gatherings.
• Seasonal Dessert: Perfect for all your fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you want to enjoy pumpkin and pecan together.

Ingredients Needed

This is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Specific measurements and full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card below.

• all purpose flour – for the shortbread crust
• brown sugar – to sweeten the pecans
• unsalted butter – to bind the shortbread crust and pecan topping. You can substitute for salted butter.
• pecans – adds the perfect nutty flavor and crunch throughout the bars
• cream cheese – the blocks are needed for this recipe, don’t use cream cheese spread.
• granulated sugar – sweetens the cheesecake and balances the tang of cream cheese
• eggs – binds the cheesecake filling together
• vanilla extract – adds an extra flavor
• pure pumpkin – you’ll want a can of 100% pumpkin, do not use pumpkin pie filling, you don’t want any other ingredients
• ground cinnamon – adds the perfect warm spiced flavor
• corn syrup – sweetens the pie and prevents the mixture from crystalizing

How to make Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Make the Crust. Add the butter and sugar to a large bowl and mix together for a couple minutes until smooth and creamy. Add in the flour and pecans and mix until you have a soft dough. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan lined with parchment paper, and bake until lightly golden. Set aside to cool for a bit.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling. Add the cream cheese and sugar to a large bowl and beat them together until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Scoop 2 cups of the cheesecake mixture over the top of the shortbread crust. Place the cheesecake in the freezer.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling. Add the pumpkin puree and cinnamon to the remaining cheesecake mixture, and stir until combined. Carefully spoon the pumpkin layer over the plain cheesecake layer. Bake the bars for about 20 minutes, or until the cheesecake starts to set.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Topping. Combine the pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and flour in a bowl and stir together until you have a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.

Step 5: Continue to Bake. Let the cheesecake continue to bake until the pecan topping is bubbly, and the cheesecake is mostly set. The middle might be a little jiggly. Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature, then transfer to the fridge to chill for several hours.

Storage Instructions

Store the bars covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

These Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are such a delicious layered treat. They’ll be your new favorite dessert in the fall, packed with so many delicious autumn flavors.

More Pumpkin Desserts

• Pumpkin Whoopie Pie
• Pumpkin Cake with Yellow Cake Mix
• Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Pumpkin Cupcakes
• Pumpkin Cobbler