Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
**Equipment:**
- 9 x 13 baking pan
- Parchment paper
**Cheesecake Filling:**
- 16 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sour cream at room temperature
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
**Graham Cracker Crust:**
- 2 cups very fine graham cracker crumbs
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
**Pumpkin Pie Filling:**
- 1 can 15 oz pumpkin puree
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
**Other:**
- Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish on top
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9 x 13 baking pan by spraying and lining it with parchment paper.
**Make the Crust:**
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and set aside.
**Make the Cheesecake Filling:**
- Using a stand mixer or handheld beater, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, cornstarch, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and free of lumps.
**Make the Pumpkin Pie Filling:**
- In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
**Assemble and Bake:**
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust, spreading it evenly. Carefully pour the pumpkin pie filling over the cheesecake batter, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes on the center rack of your oven. Optionally, you can use a hot water bath by placing a deep tray filled with hot water in the oven.
- After baking, allow the cheesecake to rest in the oven with the door cracked open for 1 hour. Then, cool to room temperature before chilling in the fridge for a few hours.
- Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the pan, peel off the parchment paper, and cut into squares. Enjoy your delicious creation!