Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

These Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars have the perfect combination of rich chocolate and cozy pumpkin flavors! This layered treat features a rich chocolate base, followed by a creamy pumpkin cheesecake layer packed with warm fall spices all topped with a sweet, buttery crumble topping. The perfect make ahead dessert for your next fall get together or holiday!

Looking for more pumpkin recipes to try next? Don’t miss my Pumpkin Delight, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, and Pumpkin Cupcakes!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Chocolate Bars

If you’re anything like me, fall means cozying up with all things pumpkin and apple. These Pumpkin Chocolate Bars are definitely a seasonal favorite in my house! The rich chocolate layer is fudgy and decadent, while the spiced pumpkin cheesecake filling tastes just like autumn, thanks to the addition of some of our favorite fall spices.

This dessert is pretty incredibly and a bit out of the ordinary which I love. It’s like a bite of pumpkin cheesecake meets chocolate heaven! And that buttery crumble on top? It adds just the right amount of crunch to make each bite truly irresistible.

The best part? These bars are super easy to whip up, even on a busy day! I love how using a simple boxed cake mix for the chocolate base saves time while the pumpkin layer is full of yummy pumpkin and cream cheese.

I know they’ll be a hit at any holiday or fall gathering or just as a special treat for your family to enjoy at home. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe

• Easy to Make: With a boxed chocolate cake mix as the base and simple ingredients like canned pumpkin and cream cheese, this recipe comes together quickly and easily, perfect for when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss!
• Amazing Flavor Combination: The rich chocolate layer, spiced pumpkin filling, and buttery crumble topping create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s the best of both worlds: chocolatey decadence meets warm, cozy fall spices.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are a guaranteed hit at any gathering! Whether you’re bringing them to a fall party or serving them at home, they always get rave reviews. Plus, they’re just the right mix of indulgent and festive, making them the perfect treat for the season.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Bars

This recipe consists of three layers: chocolate layer, pumpkin layer and a crumble topping. I’ll walk you through making each of the layers! As always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Chocolate Layer

1. Combine the chocolate cake mix, egg and melted butter.
2. Press the cake mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Layer

1. Combine cream cheese and pumpkin puree together.
2. Mix in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, cloves and eggs.
3. Stir in powdered sugar a little at a time until everything is smooth.

Crumble Topping

1. Stir together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
2. Add the softened butter and mix it in with a fork until clumps form.

Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the pumpkin batter over the chocolate layer and smooth.
2. Evenly sprinkle with the chocolate chips followed by the crumble topping.
3. Bake at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes or until the center isn’t jiggly and everything looks golden brown.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.

For neater slices, allow the bars to cool completely and then chill them in the fridge for an hour or so. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut perfect squares without any mess.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. The pumpkin and cream cheese layer stays fresh longer when chilled, and the bars taste great cold or at room temperature.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Variations to Try

• Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the pumpkin layer before baking or as a finishing touch after they’ve cooled.
• Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even chocolate chunks for an intense chocolatey flavor. You could also mix a few chips into the pumpkin layer for added texture.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the crumble topping for extra warmth and depth, giving the bars a more complex spice profile that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.
• Mix in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping or chocolate layer. This adds a satisfying crunch that complements both the chocolate and pumpkin layers.
• Instead of a chocolate cake mix base, use crushed ginger snap cookies mixed with a little melted butter to make a crust.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can substitute homemade pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s thick and well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Canned pumpkin puree has a consistent texture, so if you’re using fresh, blot it with a paper towel to remove any extra liquid.

Trish’s Tips

• You can use any flavor of chocolate boxed cake mix. I used Devil’s Food.
• For the best texture in the pumpkin cheesecake layer, let your cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly and gives you that perfectly creamy, cheesecake-like consistency.
• When making the crumble topping, gently combine the butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it’s crumbly. Over mixing will make it too doughy; you want those buttery crumbles for the ideal texture on top.
• Check the bars by inserting a toothpick into the pumpkin layer; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This ensures the bars are baked through without over-drying, so you get that fudgy chocolate base and creamy pumpkin layer just right!

More Pumpkin Recipes to Try

1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
2. Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread
3. Mini Pumpkin Pies
4. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
5. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies