Description
These no-bake pumpkin cheesecake bars feature a spicy gingersnap cookie crust and a creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, all without turning on the oven. Perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, they’re easy to make and slice beautifully for sharing.
Ingredients
- 12 oz gingersnap cookies (about 2 1/2 cups crushed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for topping)
- Extra crushed gingersnap cookies for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Crush gingersnap cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor, blender, or zip bag and rolling pin.
- In a bowl, combine cookie crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press mixture firmly and evenly into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add pumpkin puree and powdered sugar; beat until creamy and well blended (about 2 minutes).
- Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Beat for another minute until light and fluffy.
- Spoon pumpkin cheesecake mixture over chilled crust and smooth into an even layer.
- Cover pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to set.
- For whipped cream topping (optional): Beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over chilled bars and garnish with crushed gingersnaps.
- Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Slice into 16 squares with a sharp knife, wiping blade between cuts.
Notes
For gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free gingersnap cookies. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cream cheese and coconut cream. Chill bars thoroughly for best texture and clean slices. If filling is too soft, chill longer or add 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Bars are best served cold and can be made ahead or frozen for later. For extra stability in whipped cream, chill bowl and beaters before whipping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake bars, no-bake dessert, gingersnap crust, fall dessert, easy pumpkin bars, Thanksgiving dessert, autumn recipes, pumpkin spice, cream cheese bars