Spiced Cheesecake Bars with Hidden Winter Squash
These creamy cheesecake bars are made with smooth winter squash puree and warm cinnamon spice. You’d never guess they’re secretly packed with vegetables—perfect for picky eaters and holiday tables alike.
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Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch Baking Pan
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 9 Graham Crackers about 1¼ cups crumbs
- ½ cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter melted
- 3 tablespoons Milk
For the filling:
- 16 oz Cream Cheese softened
- ½ cup Squash Puree butternut, buttercup, or similar
- ½ cup Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch pan or large springform pan.
- In a food processor, blend graham crackers, oats, sugar, flour, and butter until finely ground.9 Graham Crackers, ½ cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats, 2 tablespoons Sugar, ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour, 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- Add milk and pulse until moistened. Press mixture evenly into pan and bake for 10 minutes.3 tablespoons Milk
- Cool crust for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.16 oz Cream Cheese, ½ cup Sugar
- Add squash puree and mix well.½ cup Squash Puree
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and remaining flour.2 large Eggs, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon Salt, 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- Pour filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until center is just set and edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack, then chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Use any smooth winter squash puree—like butternut or buttercup. Homemade or canned both work.
- The texture is soft but sliceable. For firmer bars, let them chill overnight.
- Add a dash of nutmeg or cloves if you want a deeper spice profile.
Nutrition
Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 251mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1665IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 1mg
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 307kcal
Cost: $7.00