Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping Recipe

If you love the rich, cozy flavors of fall desserts, you are going to fall head over heels for these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping. This delightful treat perfectly balances creamy pumpkin cheesecake layered over a nutty walnut crust and finished off with a buttery streusel crumble. Each bite offers a beautiful harmony of textures and warm spices that feel like a big, comforting hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re bringing these to a holiday gathering or indulging in a little seasonal self-care, these bars are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple but thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best taste, texture, and color. From the crunchy walnut crust to the creamy pumpkin cheesecake and the crumbly streusel topping, every component has a purpose that shines through in the final bars.

• Walnuts (1 cup, finely chopped): Adds a rich, earthy crunch that forms the perfect base for the bars.
• Almond flour (1 cup): Keeps the crust tender while adding subtle nuttiness.
• White sugar (1/2 cup for crust + sugars for other layers): Sweetens all layers without overpowering the natural pumpkin flavor.
• Salted butter (1/4 cup melted for crust; 6 tablespoons softened for streusel): Brings moisture and a luscious buttery richness to crust and topping.
• Pumpkin puree (6 oz, not pie filling): Offers that vibrant orange color and authentic pumpkin flavor that sings in the cheesecake layer.
• Cream cheese (two 8 oz packages, room temperature): Makes the cheesecake layer delightfully creamy and smooth.
• Eggs (2): Bind the cheesecake layers together while keeping them light and tender.
• Pumpkin spice (1 teaspoon): Infuses the pumpkin layer with that warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon for streusel): Adds spice depth to the crumbly topping.
• Brown sugar and oats (for streusel): Brown sugar lends richness and moisture, while oats provide chewiness and texture.
• Flour (1/2 cup for streusel): Creates structure in the streusel topping, helping it hold together just right.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for streusel): Gives the topping a warm, aromatic finish.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Walnut Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later. Combine the finely chopped walnuts, almond flour, white sugar, and melted salted butter in a bowl. Mix everything until the ingredients are evenly moistened, then press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This walnut crust sets the foundation and gives these bars their signature crunch.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Base

In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with white sugar until smooth and creamy. Then add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition for a perfectly silky texture. From this mixture, carefully remove about 1 1/2 cups and set it aside. Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture evenly over the walnut crust and smooth it out to form the first cheesecake layer.

Step 3: Create the Pumpkin Cheesecake Layer

To the reserved cream cheese mixture, add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice, folding gently until just combined. This will create a beautifully orange, spiced layer that contrasts with the white cheesecake base. Carefully spoon this pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the white cheesecake layer. It’s important not to mix them together, so you’ll have distinct, lovely swirls of color and flavor in each bite.

Step 4: Make and Add the Streusel Topping

Now for that irresistible crumbly top. Blend together cinnamon, white sugar, brown sugar, oats, flour, softened butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture feels moist but crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the pumpkin cheesecake layer, adding a sweet, crunchy texture that perfectly complements the soft cheesecake layers beneath.

Step 5: Bake and Chill

Bake your Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the topping is golden, and the cheesecake layers are set but still slightly jiggly in the middle. Once out of the oven, allow these bars to cool slightly at room temperature, then pop them into the fridge or freezer to chill for at least two hours. This chilling step is key for achieving clean cuts and the best texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping

Garnishes

These bars are lovely on their own but can be jazzed up with a few simple garnishes that add flavor and style. Try a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance or a dollop of freshly whipped cream paired with a sprinkle of cinnamon to echo the spices in the streusel. Toasted walnut halves on top can amplify that lovely nutty crunch and look stunning as a finishing touch.

Side Dishes

For a truly indulgent dessert spread, serve these bars alongside hot apple cider or a bold cup of coffee to balance their rich sweetness. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, creating a symphony of flavors and temperatures that make every bite even more memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Cut the bars into small squares and serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy, elegant finger food at parties. For an individual dessert, serve one or two bars on a chilled dessert plate alongside a cinnamon-spiced fruit compote or a swirl of crème fraîche for tangy contrast. These little presentation tweaks can elevate the humble bar into a stunning seasonal treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once chilled, these pumpkin cheesecake bars store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping them chilled preserves the creamy texture of the cheesecake and the crunch of the streusel topping, making them easy to enjoy throughout the week without losing their charm.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars ahead of a special occasion or simply have leftovers to save, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw them overnight in the fridge to retain their creamy cheesecake texture and crisp topping.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, you can gently warm a chilled or thawed bar in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 10 minutes. This will revive the butteriness of the crust and streusel topping without melting the cheesecake layers. Alternatively, enjoy them cold for that deliciously creamy, refreshing bite.

FAQs

Can I substitute pecans for walnuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Pecans would make a lovely alternative to walnuts, offering a slightly sweeter and buttery crunch. Just chop them finely and follow the recipe as usual.

Is pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?

Not quite. Pumpkin puree is just cooked, pure pumpkin without added sugars or spices, while pumpkin pie filling is pre-seasoned and sweetened. For this recipe, using plain pumpkin puree is essential to control the flavors perfectly.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

While this recipe relies on cream cheese and butter for its signature texture and flavor, you can try substituting with vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. Keep in mind this may alter the texture and taste slightly, but it’s worth experimenting for dairy-free needs.

What’s the best way to get clean cuts when slicing these bars?

Chilling the bars thoroughly for at least two hours helps them set firmly. Using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts will also ensure neat slices without crumbs or sticking.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time slightly. Start checking for doneness around 65 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

Making these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Walnut Crust and Streusel Topping is like inviting a little slice of autumn into your kitchen, filling the air with irresistible aromas and your plate with layered textures and flavors. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in baking and sharing these bars as I do. They’re a delicious reminder that sometimes the simplest ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create magic worth savoring again and again.

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