Hello, fellow dessert lovers! Get ready to indulge in a truly heavenly treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just someone with a sweet tooth, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Heaven Bars are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. With layers of rich pumpkin pie filling, buttery crust, and sweetened condensed milk, this dessert is a delightful fusion of classic autumn ingredients. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Introduction
Pumpkin cheesecake is a timeless classic, but when combined with the ease of a bar, it becomes an effortless yet impressive dessert that can be enjoyed at any gathering. The unique combination of pumpkin, butterscotch, and toffee in these bars offers a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake, making it perfect for fall festivals, Thanksgiving, or simply as a treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee.
The story behind this recipe is a nostalgic one. It reminds me of cool autumn afternoons spent in the kitchen with family, experimenting with different ways to incorporate pumpkin into our favorite desserts. The result? A dessert that is not only delicious but also brings back fond memories with every bite.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Pumpkin Cheesecake Heaven Bars, you’ll need:
- For the Crust:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or pumpkin pie filling)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- For the Pumpkin Bar Layers:
- 1 cup pumpkin pie filling
- 11 ounces butterscotch chips
- 1 cup toffee bits
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- For Pumpkin Pie Spice:
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Heaven Bars
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Heaven Bars:
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 11×7 baking dish with foil and spray it with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, and mix until combined with no dry patches. Press the mixture into the bottom of the foil-lined baking dish and bake for 15 minutes until it no longer looks raw and is lightly browned.
- Layer the Pumpkin: Spread the pumpkin pie filling evenly over the baked crust.
- Add the Toppings: Layer the butterscotch chips, toffee bits, and chopped pecans over the pumpkin filling. Pour the sweetened condensed milk on top, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Bake: Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Cool and Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, refrigerate them before cutting them into squares. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Helpful Tips
- Pumpkin Pie Filling vs. Puree: Be sure to use pumpkin pie filling for this recipe, as it is already sweetened and spiced. If you only have pumpkin puree on hand, you can add sugar and spices to create your own filling.
- Chilling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely in the refrigerator is crucial for achieving clean cuts when serving.
- Mixing It Up: Feel free to swap the butterscotch chips for white chocolate chips or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Cooking Tips
To make your Pumpkin Cheesecake Heaven Bars even more delightful, here are a few tips:
- Achieving the Perfect Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure it holds together after baking.
- Even Layering: When adding the layers, spread them as evenly as possible for uniform bars.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- For a Crowd: Cut the bars into small squares and serve on a platter for easy grab-and-go dessert at gatherings.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a touch of elegance by serving with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
- Paired with Coffee: The rich flavors of these bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced latte.
Nutritional Information
This decadent treat is as indulgent as it sounds, so enjoy in moderation!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 436 kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 120mg
Potassium: 180mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 35g
Vitamin A: 3000 IU
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 120mg
Iron: 1.5mg
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The chilling process helps maintain their texture and flavor.
- Reheat: To enjoy warm bars, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds, just enough to soften the butterscotch and toffee layers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling? Yes, but you’ll need to sweeten and spice it yourself. Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to taste.
- Can I freeze these bars? Absolutely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- What if I don’t have butterscotch chips? You can substitute with white chocolate or even dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Related Recipes
Conclusion
I hope you give these Pumpkin Cheesecake Heaven Bars a try and enjoy every delicious bite. They are the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet—all wrapped up in the cozy flavors of fall. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Feel free to share your variations, tips, or just how much you loved them. Happy baking!
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Heaven Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
Description
Hello, fellow dessert lovers! Get ready to indulge in a truly heavenly treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just someone with a sweet tooth, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Heaven Bars are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. With layers of rich pumpkin pie filling, buttery crust, and sweetened condensed milk, this dessert is a delightful fusion of classic autumn ingredients. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or pumpkin pie filling)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- For the Pumpkin Bar Layers:
- 1 cup pumpkin pie filling
- 11 ounces butterscotch chips
- 1 cup toffee bits
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- For Pumpkin Pie Spice:
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 11×7 baking dish with foil and spray it with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, and mix until combined with no dry patches. Press the mixture into the bottom of the foil-lined baking dish and bake for 15 minutes until it no longer looks raw and is lightly browned.
- Layer the Pumpkin: Spread the pumpkin pie filling evenly over the baked crust.
- Add the Toppings: Layer the butterscotch chips, toffee bits, and chopped pecans over the pumpkin filling. Pour the sweetened condensed milk on top, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Bake: Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Cool and Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, refrigerate them before cutting them into squares. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Pumpkin Pie Filling vs. Puree: Be sure to use pumpkin pie filling for this recipe, as it is already sweetened and spiced. If you only have pumpkin puree on hand, you can add sugar and spices to create your own filling.
- Chilling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely in the refrigerator is crucial for achieving clean cuts when serving.
- Mixing It Up: Feel free to swap the butterscotch chips for white chocolate chips or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
