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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars- High Protein, Low Sugar

August 31, 2023 by Gina + Leave a Comment

Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts but usually something I’d rather buy than bake. But these pumpkin cheesecake bars are so easy and delicious, that I don’t mind whipping them up throughout fall. A bonus too that they are healthier so I don’t mind having a bar or two! The secret is the cheesecake layer is made with blended cottage cheese and Greek yogurt but I swear to you, you would never know it’s not cream cheese.

Jump to Recipe

It’s September so I am going to consider it fully fall and let the pumpkin and apple recipes roll. First up are these pumpkin cheesecake bars. The perfect dessert when you want the decadent cheesecake without the fuss. It’s a simple buttery graham cracker crust filled with pumpkin cheesecake. The twist is I use cottage cheese and Greek yogurt blended for the cheese layer. This makes it a high-protein dessert but still has that classic cheesecake consistency and flavor. Everyone who’s tasted them doesn’t believe they’re not made with cream cheese. Win!


Ingredients needed for the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

  • Graham crackers
  • Melted butter
  • Cottage cheese
  • Greek yogurt
  • Sugar
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour

How to make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

  • Crush the graham crackers and pour them into an 8×8 baking dish. 
  • Add melted butter and press firmly to make the crust. 
  • Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
  • Blend the remaining liquid ingredients in a blender until smooth.  Pour into a bowl and stir in flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.  Pour over the crust and bake for 1 hour. 
  • They need to set for several hours in the fridge or overnight.  Cut into squares and enjoy.  Store leftovers sealed in the fridge for 5 days.

Why we love this Cheesecake recipe…

  • To start, who doesn’t love cheesecake?!
  • It’s high in protein and lower in sugar making it a great choice for dessert.
  • It bakes in a baking dish and you don’t need a fancy pan or water bath
  • This recipe calls for simple ingredients and only a few steps to put it all together

More recipes you will like…

  • No Bake Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake
  • Pumpkin Coffee Cake
  • Apple Crumble Bars

Tips & FAQ for the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

What kind of graham crackers do you use?

I use regular graham crackers but you can use cinnamon or whatever you like. You can also add a couple of tbsp of sugar for the crust but I don’t find that necessary

Can you taste the cottage cheese?

Not at all. The combination of blending it and the other ingredients completely makes this taste like regular cheesecake. Just higher in protein and lower in fat!

What’s the best kind of yogurt?

I have only used non-fat and regular Greek yogurt. The consistency and tang of Greek yogurt is what I think works best. Report back if you try anything else!


Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – High Protein

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
resting time 3 hours hrs
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Bars

Ingredients
  

  • 9 graham cracker sheets the full sheet, not each rectangle
  • 6 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Crush the graham crackers and pour them into an 8×8 baking dish.  Add melted butter and press firmly to make the crust. 
  • Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
  • Blend the remaining liquid ingredients in a blender until smooth.  Pour into a bowl and stir in flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.  Pour over the crust and bake for 1 hour. 
  • They need to set for several hours in the fridge or overnight.  Cut into squares and enjoy.  Store leftovers sealed in the fridge for 5 days.
Keyword pumpkin cheesecake
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes Tagged With: cheesecake, cheesecake bars, graham cracker, high protein, low sugar, pumpkin

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Recipe Rating




gina_gibson_

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If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
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This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
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A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
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@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
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Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

gina_gibson_

🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfect 🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfection! 

If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐 🌞 Lookin Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐

🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

gina_gibson_

🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfect 🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfection! 

If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐 🌞 Lookin Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐

🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

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