As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, nothing says autumn quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice. While classic pumpkin pie is a fall staple, there’s a world of pumpkin desserts to explore, and for those who adore creamy, cold treats, Pioneer Woman pumpkin cheesecake bars are a must-try. This recipe takes the best of fall flavors and combines them into a delightful, layered dessert that’s perfect for any autumn gathering. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich spiced pumpkin filling, and a tangy cream cheese whipped topping, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into how to create these dreamy Pioneer Woman pumpkin cheesecake bars and bring a slice of fall to your kitchen.
Crafting Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: Step-by-Step
Pioneer Woman pumpkin cheesecake bars ingredients laid out
Creating these delectable pumpkin cheesecake bars involves a few distinct steps, and while the ingredient list might appear extensive at first glance, rest assured that each component is easily accessible, and the preparation is straightforward. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring these Pioneer Woman pumpkin cheesecake bars to life.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cheesecake Perfection
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (approximately 10 full crackers, finely crushed)
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted to a golden liquid
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, adding a touch of sweetness
For the Spiced Pumpkin Filling:
- 4 teaspoons cold water, the base for our gelatin
- 1 teaspoon gelatin powder, to give the filling its perfect set
- 4 ounces cream cheese (half of an 8-ounce block), softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, for a smooth, sweet filling
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree, the heart of the pumpkin flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for warmth and spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, adding a nutty, aromatic note
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, for a bit of zing
- 1/8 teaspoon ground clove, a hint of intense spice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, enhancing all the flavors
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, for a light and airy texture
For the Cream Cheese Whipped Topping:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (half of an 8-ounce block), softened for smooth blending
- 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, sweetening the topping
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream, creating a fluffy cloud
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped, for a nutty crunch and garnish
Essential Tools for Baking Success
Wilton Square Brownie Pan for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Brownie Pan: A square baking pan, ideally 8×8 or 9×9 inches, is crucial for baking the bars evenly.
- Mixing Bowls: Various sizes of glass mixing bowls are helpful for prepping each layer of the dessert.
- Hand Mixer: An electric hand mixer will make whipping cream and blending the fillings much easier.
- Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper ensures easy removal of the bars.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is key in baking for the best results.
- Spatula or Fork: For mixing the crust and spreading the fillings smoothly.
Directions: Baking Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust
Graham cracker crust being pressed into a square pan for pumpkin cheesecake bars
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang on the sides to help lift out the finished bars later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and melted butter. Use a fork to mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and slightly up the sides to create a neat crust.
Step 2: Baking the Crust to Golden Perfection
Place the pan with the graham cracker crust in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust turns a light golden brown color and becomes fragrant. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is important for setting the crust before adding the fillings.
Step 3: Blooming the Gelatin for the Pumpkin Filling
In a small saucepan, pour the cold water. Sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the surface of the water. Set the saucepan aside and let the gelatin “bloom” for about 10 minutes. Blooming hydrates the gelatin, which is essential for its thickening properties in the pumpkin filling.
Step 4: Creating the Spiced Pumpkin Filling
Mixing bowl with pumpkin filling ingredients for Pioneer Woman cheesecake bars
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar together using a hand mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, and salt to the cream cheese mixture. Continue to mix until all spices and pumpkin are fully incorporated and the filling is uniform in color and texture.
Step 5: Incorporating Gelatin into the Pumpkin Filling
Place the saucepan with the bloomed gelatin over low heat on the stovetop. Whisk constantly until the gelatin powder is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear and liquid. Immediately pour the dissolved gelatin into the pumpkin filling mixture. Beat well with the hand mixer to ensure the gelatin is evenly distributed throughout the pumpkin filling.
Step 6: Whipping the Cream and Combining with Pumpkin
In a chilled mixing bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream. Using a hand mixer with chilled beaters, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This may take a few minutes, so keep an eye on the cream as it thickens. Once stiff peaks have formed, gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture in three separate additions. Folding ensures the filling remains light and airy.
Step 7: Assembling the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Once the graham cracker crust is completely cooled, pour the prepared pumpkin filling over the crust. Spread it evenly using a spatula to ensure a smooth top. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill the pumpkin layer while you prepare the cream cheese topping.
Step 8: Making the Cream Cheese Topping
For the cream cheese topping, in a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and lump-free. Add the heavy whipping cream to the bowl and continue to beat until stiff peaks form, similar to how you whipped cream for the filling. Once the topping is ready, spread it evenly over the chilled pumpkin filling layer using an offset spatula for a professional finish. Cover the pan again with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bars to set completely.
Step 9: Serving the Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
A slice of Pioneer Woman pumpkin cheesecake bar on a white plate
Once the Pioneer Woman pumpkin cheesecake bars are firmly set, take them out of the refrigerator. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the bars out of the baking pan and onto a cutting board. Sprinkle the top of the bars with chopped toasted pecans for added flavor and texture. Cut the bars into squares of your desired size. Serve chilled and enjoy every bite of these delightful fall treats!
Final Thoughts on Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
These Pioneer Woman pumpkin cheesecake bars are a fantastic way to celebrate the fall season. The combination of the crunchy graham cracker crust, the creamy, spiced pumpkin filling, and the tangy cream cheese topping creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. While the recipe involves several steps, each one is simple, and the final result is well worth the effort. Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or simply a cozy dessert at home, these pumpkin cheesecake bars are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Embrace the flavors of fall and try baking these dreamy Pioneer Woman pumpkin cheesecake bars today!
