No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Cook Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or stabilized whipped cream
- Extra whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×9 inch square baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it down tightly, then place it in the freezer to set while you make the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Ensuring the cream cheese is truly at room temperature is key to a silky texture.
- Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese mixture. Continue to beat on medium speed until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the color is a uniform, soft orange. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no cream cheese streaks remain.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping using a rubber spatula. Use a slow, circular motion to incorporate it without deflating the air. This step is what gives the cheesecake bars their light and fluffy mousse-like consistency.
- Remove the crust from the freezer and spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the top. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best for the cleanest slices. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and serve.