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As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there's a palpable excitement in the kitchen that signals the arrival of fall. One of the most beloved treats of this season is the Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. These delectable bars beautifully marry the rich flavors of pumpkin and the crunchy texture of pecans, resulting in a dessert that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with seasonal taste. Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a cozy indulgence at home, these bars evoke the warmth and comfort of the season, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table.

Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Get ready for fall with these irresistible Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars! Combining a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy pumpkin cheesecake, and topped with crunchy pecans and a luscious caramel drizzle, these bars beautifully capture the essence of the season. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights at home, each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making this dessert a must-try for autumn lovers. Enjoy a slice of seasonal bliss today!

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Layer:

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup pumpkin puree

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Topping:

1 cup chopped pecans

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crust:

    - Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

      - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture is uniformly blended.

        - Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan to create a solid crust.

          - Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

            Make the Cheesecake Filling:

              - In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it achieves a smooth and creamy consistency.

                - Gradually incorporate the granulated sugar, mixing until fully combined and smooth.

                  - Now add the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Mix these ingredients just until combined and the mixture is smooth.

                    Assemble the Bars:

                      - Carefully pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.

                        - Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the center appears set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                          - Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about an hour. After that, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.

                            Prepare the Pecan Topping:

                              - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

                                - Add the chopped pecans, caramel sauce, and brown sugar to the saucepan. Stir occasionally and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the pecans are well-coated and slightly toasted.

                                  Finish and Serve:

                                    - Once the cheesecake layer has chilled completely, spread the toasted pecan topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.

                                      - If desired, drizzle any remaining caramel sauce on top for additional sweetness and aesthetic appeal.

                                        - Cut into squares and serve either chilled or at room temperature. Indulge in the delightful flavors of your Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars!

                                          Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling) | Servings: 16 bars

                                            Presentation Tips:

                                              - For an elegant touch, serve the bars on a decorative platter and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

                                                Enjoy the fusion of flavors and textures in every bite!