Pumpkin Cheesecake Ghost Bars

Introduction

If there’s one dessert that brings together the warmth of fall flavors and the playful spookiness of Halloween, it’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Ghost Bars. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, and adorable little ghost decorations piped on top with whipped cream or marshmallow frosting. They’re festive, flavorful, and the perfect mix of cozy autumn dessert and whimsical Halloween fun.

Unlike traditional pumpkin pie or plain cheesecake, these bars combine the best of both worlds—they’re easy to serve, look impressive on a dessert platter, and taste absolutely decadent. Each bite is rich, creamy, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, while the ghostly topping adds charm and holiday spirit.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels like a festive twist on two classics—pumpkin pie and cheesecake. The texture is velvety and smooth, with just the right balance of pumpkin spice and tangy cream cheese. What makes me love it even more is how fun it is to decorate. The ghost toppings transform a simple cheesecake bar into a Halloween showstopper.

It’s also a great recipe for gatherings because the bars are easy to slice and serve compared to a full cheesecake. And let’s be honest—any dessert that makes people say “aww” before they take a bite is a win in my book!

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Combines fall flavors and Halloween fun in one dessert.
• Easy to serve—no messy slicing like pie or cake.
• Adorable presentation—ghost decorations bring instant smiles.
• Make-ahead friendly—perfect for holiday parties and potlucks.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor—pumpkin spice and cheesecake together are irresistible.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Cooling/Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars
• Calories: ~230 per bar
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American, Seasonal (Halloween/Fall)

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Ghost Decorations:

• 1 ½ cups whipped cream or marshmallow frosting
• Mini chocolate chips (for ghost eyes and mouths)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Crust
   • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
   • Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
   • Press firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
   • Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
   • Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
   • Add pumpkin purée, eggs, vanilla, spices, and flour; mix until well combined.
   • Pour over prepared crust.
3. Bake the Bars
   • Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is just set.
   • Remove from oven and let cool completely.
   • Refrigerate at least 3 hours before cutting.
4. Decorate with Ghosts
   • Cut chilled cheesecake into bars.
   • Pipe whipped cream or marshmallow frosting on each bar in a tall swirl to resemble a ghost.
   • Place mini chocolate chips as eyes and mouths.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven → prepare crust → bake briefly.
2. Mix cream cheese and sugar → add pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, spices, and flour.
3. Pour filling over crust → bake until set.
4. Cool completely → refrigerate 3+ hours.
5. Slice into bars → pipe ghost decorations → add chocolate chip faces.

How to Serve

Serve these cheesecake bars chilled on a Halloween-themed platter, surrounded by candy corn, gummy worms, or mini pumpkins. They’re perfect for potlucks, spooky parties, or a festive family dessert.

Recipe Tips

• Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
• Don’t overbake—cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center.
• Chill thoroughly before decorating, or the ghosts will melt.
• For cleaner slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry.

Variations

• Chocolate Pumpkin Ghost Bars: Add a chocolate cookie crust instead of graham crackers.
• Caramel Swirl Bars: Swirl caramel sauce into the pumpkin filling before baking.
• Mini Ghost Bites: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
• Nutty Crunch Bars: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze bars (without ghost decorations) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Piping bag with round tip (for ghosts)
• Spatula

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cheesecake Ghost Bars are the ultimate Halloween dessert—creamy, spiced, adorable, and festive. They strike the perfect balance between cozy autumn flavors and whimsical holiday fun. Easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to impress, these bars are a must-try for Halloween parties, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something sweet and spooky.