No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Okay, let me tell you—making these no bake pumpkin cheesecake bars is like stepping into the coziest autumn day ever. Imagine the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen, the creamy pumpkin filling that’s just the right mix of sweet and spiced, and a crust so buttery and crunchy it makes every bite feel like a warm hug. And the best part? No oven required! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just want to whip up a dessert that feels fancy but doesn’t turn your kitchen into a sweat lodge. These bars come together with minimal effort but deliver all the cozy vibes and flavors we crave this time of year. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging for this recipe once they get a taste.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 9–12 bars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Total Time: About 4 hours (including chilling)

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl until everything looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan to form an even crust. This sets the stage for that buttery crunch that contrasts the creamy filling. Pop it into the fridge to chill and firm up while you work on the filling.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy—no lumps allowed! Then add the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla, and all those warm spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until everything is beautifully combined and smells like autumn in a bowl.

Step 3:

In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with the granulated sugar until you get stiff peaks—this means the cream holds its shape nicely when you lift the beaters. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin-cheesecake mixture in batches, careful not to deflate it! This step makes the filling light and dreamy, not dense.

Step 4:

Pour the luscious filling over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth it out so every bar will have that perfect scoop of creamy yum.

Step 5:

Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap, then pop it back into the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better! This chilling step lets the bars set firm, making them easy to slice and picture-perfect for serving.

Step 6:

Once chilled and set, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for smooth, clean cuts. Serve as-is, or add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.

Variations & Tips

• Swap graham crackers for gingersnap cookies in the crust for a deeper spice flavor.
• Add ½ tsp of pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices for convenience.
• For a lighter crust, cut butter by half and mix in 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey for sweetness and moisture.
• If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, warm it gently in the microwave for 10 seconds but don’t overheat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Great for prep-ahead treats!

How I Like to Serve It

These bars are my go-to fall dessert for casual get-togethers or Thanksgiving dessert tables. I love serving them with a cup of hot cider or bold coffee to balance their sweet, creamy richness. Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top for some crunch, and you’re basically winning autumn right there.

Notes

• Make sure the crust is pressed firmly to prevent crumbling when you cut the bars.
• If your filling feels too soft after chilling, an extra hour in the fridge usually does the trick.

Closing: Honestly, these no bake pumpkin cheesecake bars are one of my favorite fall treats because they come together quickly, taste amazing, and somehow feel like a little slice of cozy heaven every time.