Silky Butternut Squash Cheesecake Bliss Bars
Indulge in the heavenly fusion of creamy cheesecake and the nutty sweetness of roasted butternut squash in these decadent bars. Perfectly crafted for those with gluten sensitivities, these Silky Butternut Squash Cheesecake Bliss Bars offer an irresistible dessert option rich in flavor and texture. With a buttery, gluten-free graham cracker crust and a luscious filling spiced with pumpkin pie accents, every bite transports you to a cozy, fall-inspired paradise. Ideal for gatherings or a special treat at home, pair them with a dollop of bourbon whipped cream for an elevated experience. Enjoy the comforting warmth of autumn flavors any time of year!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (Crushed)
melted butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
cream cheese
8 -12 ounces (Softened)
coconut sugar
3/4 cup (N/A)
eggs
2 (N/A)
butternut squash
1 1/2 cups (Diced and steamed)
pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon (N/A)
pecans
3 tablespoons (Chopped (optional))
powdered sugar
2 teaspoons (For dusting (optional))
whipped cream
As desired (For serving (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by steaming the diced butternut squash until it is soft and tender, approximately 10-15 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly before mashing it into a smooth puree.
2
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
3
In a small bowl, combine the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
4
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch square pan to form a solid crust. Set aside.
5
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and coconut sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
6
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
7
Stir in the mashed butternut squash and pumpkin pie spice, blending until the filling is creamy and well combined.
8
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
10
Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the door ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually. Consider wedging a kitchen towel in the door to keep it slightly open.
11
After cooling, transfer the bars to the refrigerator and let them chill for several hours or overnight for the best flavor.
12
Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into 9 square bars.
13
Optional: Serve each bar with chopped pecans and a dollop of bourbon whipped cream for an extra touch of flavor and decadence.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Silky Butternut Squash Cheesecake Bliss Bars?
They are a decadent dessert fusion of creamy cheesecake and the nutty sweetness of roasted butternut squash, served on a gluten-free crust.
Is this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust, making it a gluten-free dessert option.
How do I prepare the butternut squash for the filling?
Diced butternut squash should be steamed for 10-15 minutes until soft and tender, then mashed into a smooth puree.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The bars should be baked in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
How much cream cheese is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for between 8 to 12 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What sweetener is used in the cheesecake filling?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of coconut sugar to provide a rich sweetness.
How many eggs are required for the mixture?
You will need 2 eggs, added one at a time and mixed well.
What gives the bars their fall-inspired flavor?
The combination of butternut squash and one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice provides the signature autumn flavor.
What size pan should I use to bake the bars?
An 8 x 8-inch square pan is ideal for this recipe.
How long do the cheesecake bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for approximately 45 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
What is the unique cooling method used in this recipe?
After baking, turn off the oven and leave the door ajar for 1 hour to allow the bars to cool gradually.
How can I keep the oven door ajar during cooling?
You can wedge a kitchen towel in the door to keep it slightly open.
How long should the bars be chilled?
The bars should be refrigerated for several hours or overnight to achieve the best flavor and consistency.
How many bars does one batch make?
When cut into squares, this recipe yields 9 individual bars.
What are the suggested optional toppings?
Optional toppings include powdered sugar for dusting, chopped pecans, and a dollop of bourbon whipped cream.
How do I make the crust?
Mix 1 cup of gluten-free graham cracker crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it beats into a light and fluffy mixture.
Can I use a different type of squash?
While butternut squash is specified for its nutty sweetness, pumpkin puree is a common alternative for similar cheesecake bars.
What is the texture of these bars?
They have a buttery, crunchy crust and a silky, luscious, and creamy filling.
How much butternut squash puree is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of mashed butternut squash.
Is it necessary to use an electric mixer?
An electric mixer is recommended to beat the cream cheese and sugar until they are light and fluffy.
How much melted butter is needed for the crust?
The crust requires 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
When should I add the powdered sugar?
Dust the top of the bars with 2 teaspoons of powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.
What type of nuts are recommended as a garnish?
Chopped pecans are recommended for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.
Can I serve these bars immediately after they cool in the oven?
No, for the best results, they must be chilled in the refrigerator for several hours first.
How do I ensure the filling is well combined?
Stir in the squash and spice after the eggs, blending until the mixture is creamy and uniform.
Are these bars suitable for fall gatherings?
Yes, they are ideal for gatherings or as a special autumn-themed treat at home.
What kind of whipped cream pairs well with this?
Bourbon whipped cream is suggested for an elevated and decadent experience.
Can I use regular graham cracker crumbs?
Yes, if you do not have gluten sensitivities, regular graham cracker crumbs will work as a substitute.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is classified under easy recipes and sweet treats due to its straightforward preparation steps.