As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets a little crisper, there’s one thing that signals the arrival of autumn like no other: the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte. But what if we told you that you could elevate this beloved seasonal beverage to a whole new level of deliciousness?
We present to you the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cheesecake Bars – a delectable fusion of your favorite fall flavors.
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate dessert sensation that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strongly brewed coffee, cooled
For the Espresso Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed espresso or strongly brewed coffee, cooled
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep
- Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Create the Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to ensure it’s packed down evenly.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the cream cheese and continue to beat until the mixture is well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the canned pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, and brewed espresso or coffee. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and you have a smooth, pumpkin-spiced cheesecake filling.
4. Bake and Cool
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the baking dish.
- Smooth the top with a spatula, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 30 minutes.
- Then, transfer the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or until they’re firm and set.
5. Add the Espresso Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of brewed espresso or coffee to create the espresso glaze.
- Once the cheesecake bars are chilled, drizzle the espresso glaze over the top.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish, and then slice them into squares or bars.
6. Sip and Savor
There you have it, Cosmo queens! Your very own Pumpkin Spice Latte Cheesecake Bars, a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and the warm, comforting flavors of a pumpkin spice latte. Each bite will transport you to a cozy coffee shop on a crisp autumn day.
These bars are perfect for impressing your guests at fall gatherings or indulging in some well-deserved self-care. So, whip up a batch, savor the season, and let the magic of fall unfold with every decadent bite. Cheers to pumpkin spice perfection!
