Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Yield: 12-15 servings

Preparation Time: 15 min and Bake Time: 45 min

Ingredients

2 Essential Everyday Graham Cracker Pie Crusts

4 tablespoons Essential Everyday unsalted butter, melted

3 packages (1 1/2 pounds) Essential Everyday cream cheese, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups Essential Everyday sugar

6 eggs

2 teaspoons Essential Everyday Pure Vanilla Extract

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 can (15 ounce) Essential Everyday pumpkin puree

For serving:

Essential Everyday whipped cream

Directions:

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and line with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Remove the pie crusts from packaging and transfer to a bowl. Using your hands, crumble up into fine crumbs. Stir in melted butter until well combined, then transfer to baking dish and press firmly into the pan in an even layer.

Add cream cheese and sugar to a food processor and process until smooth (1-2 minutes). Slowly add the eggs, scraping down the sides as needed, then add the vanilla extract. Optional: at this point, remove 1/2 cup of the cheesecake filling and set aside if you want to make the swirl effect.

Add the pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice and continue blending until smooth. Pour on top of pie crust. Using a spoon, dollop the remaining regular cheesecake filling over the top, then use a toothpick or a knife to swirl together.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until the sides are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.

Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2+ hours to chill completely before serving.

Recipe and photo used with permission from Essential Everyday

Please note that some ingredients and brands may not be available in every store.