Name: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 7 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup unsalted butter, chilled; 4 tablespoons whole milk; 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 15 ounces pumpkin puree; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Pinch of salt; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup rolled oats; ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Cream cheese topping or caramel topping, for drizzling

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 15 reviews

If you love the cozy flavors of fall and crave a dessert that feels like a warm hug, then you are going to adore this Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping Recipe. It combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a luscious pumpkin cheesecake filling, all topped with a perfectly crumbly streusel that adds just the right amount of texture and sweetness. These bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings or a special treat any day, blending spice, creaminess, and crunch in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Five bowls with ingredients are placed on a white marbled surface. One small white bowl at the top holds five different spices in small mounds: dark brown, light brown, white, yellow, and a mix of colors. Below this, a blue bowl is filled with smooth, creamy white butter. To the right of the butter, a white bowl is full of white granulated sugar. At the bottom left, there is a white tray holding four brown eggs, and on the right, a white bowl with two small handles contains bright orange mashed sweet potato, showing smooth and slightly chunky texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting to know your ingredients is half the fun and the secret behind making this Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping Recipe truly irresistible. Each component plays a unique role: from the crunchy, buttery crust to the smooth, spiced pumpkin filling, and finally, the sweet, oat-packed streusel that finishes it all off.

Graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crispy, slightly sweet base that holds everything together beautifully.
Unsalted butter (chilled): Adds richness and helps create a tender crust and streusel topping.
Whole milk: Softens the crust mixture to the perfect texture for pressing into the pan.
Cream cheese (room temperature): The star of the cheesecake filling, delivering a silky and creamy consistency.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mixture just right without overpowering the pumpkin.
Large eggs (room temperature): Bind the filling together ensuring it’s smooth and firm when baked.
Pumpkin puree: The heart of the flavors, giving the bars their signature autumnal taste and vibrant color.
Ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that awaken the pumpkin and bring depth to the filling.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Brown sugar: Sweet and slightly molasses-like, perfect for the streusel topping’s caramel notes.
All-purpose flour: Creates structure in the streusel topping, helping it bind to the oats and butter.
Rolled oats: Adds delightful texture and rustic charm to the streusel.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aroma and rounds out the flavors in both the filling and streusel.
Cream cheese or caramel topping (optional): For an extra special drizzle that elevates presentation and taste.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper—it makes lifting the bars out after baking effortless. In a bowl, blend your graham cracker crumbs and chilled butter until it resembles thick dough, then add milk to achieve a soft, sticky consistency. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. This buttery base sets the stage for all those luscious layers to come.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and a splash of vanilla with a hand mixer until you’ve got a smooth and creamy texture with no lumps. Next, add eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Gently whisk in your pumpkin puree and spices—this is where your kitchen will start smelling like autumn magic. Pour this dreamy filling over the crust, then bake for 15 minutes to begin setting the base.

Step 3: Mix the Streusel Topping

While the cheesecake is baking, it’s time to mix up the streusel. Combine brown sugar, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, chilled cubed butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, stirring by hand or with a wooden spoon until crumbly. This topping is the perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth filling and sweet crust.

Step 4: Add Streusel and Finish Baking

After the initial 15 minutes of baking, take the pan out and evenly crumble the streusel over the partially baked cheesecake layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 35 to 40 minutes until the topping turns a mouthwatering golden brown. This step locks in the streusel’s buttery flavor and gives the bars an irresistible texture to look forward to.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Once baked, let the bars cool completely at room temperature—this helps them set perfectly without crumbling. Then, place the pan in the refrigerator for at least six hours or overnight. Chilling is crucial because it allows the cheesecake to firm up, making cutting clean squares a breeze.

Step 6: Slice and Optional Drizzle

With a sharp knife, cut your chilled dessert into generous bars. For an added flourish, drizzle with cream cheese frosting or a rich caramel sauce. These finishing touches take the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping Recipe to another level and make every bite feel like a celebration.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping Recipe

A rectangular baking pan filled with a dessert that has two main layers. The bottom layer is smooth and light cream colored, almost hidden under the top layer. The top layer is thickly covered with a crumbly mixture that is golden brown and contains visible oats, giving it a rough, textured look. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, and in the lower right corner, there is a white bowl with bead-like edge details, showing some crumbs inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel or cream cheese frosting can brighten up the bars and add that extra wow factor. Fresh whipped cream dollops or toasted pecans also pair beautifully with these bars for a more decadent presentation.

Side Dishes

Serving your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars alongside a steaming cup of spiced chai tea or rich coffee complements their creamy texture and warm spices perfectly. For brunch settings, fresh fruit like sliced pears or berries provide a refreshing contrast and balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering these bars on a rustic wooden platter with autumn leaves for a seasonal vibe at your next gathering. Alternatively, stack smaller squares on individual dessert plates with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant touch. They also work wonderfully cut into bite-sized pieces for parties or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and chilled, store your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their freshness and texture for up to 5 days, making them an easy dessert option to prepare ahead for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you want to keep the bars longer, freeze them in a tightly sealed container or wrap each piece in plastic wrap and foil. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor or texture. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

To warm up chilled or thawed bars, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes or pop them in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This will bring back a bit of softness without melting the streusel topping, ensuring every bite stays perfect.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin or do I need fresh pumpkin?

Canned pumpkin puree is actually recommended here because it provides consistent moisture and flavor. Fresh pumpkin can be used but requires cooking and pureeing first, which can alter the texture of the bars.

What if I don’t have rolled oats for the streusel?

If you’re out of rolled oats, you can omit them or substitute with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. The streusel will still be delicious, just a slightly different texture.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and a gluten-free flour blend in the streusel topping to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets. They’ll be just as tasty.

Is it okay to skip chilling the bars overnight?

While you can cut into the bars after a few hours of chilling, letting them sit overnight improves the texture and flavor dramatically. The bars become firmer and slice more cleanly, making the experience much better overall.

How do I prevent the streusel from burning?

Keep an eye during the final bake and tent the bars loosely with foil if the topping begins to brown too quickly. Baking at 350°F ensures even cooking, and the foil helps protect the streusel while the filling finishes baking.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that capture the spirit of fall in every bite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because, these bars will quickly become a treasured favorite. So go ahead, give yourself permission to indulge in this stunning dessert—you deserve it!