We’re right in the middle of the pumpkin season. Although my first pumpkin dessert was made in the heat of June followed by a long break for the rest of summer, now I have cans of pumpkin puree all over the kitchen. On the counter, in the pantry and a can opened in the fridge. I have quite a few recipes I must try this fall and I’m not going to take the peppermint train until I cross all the pumpkin recipes off my list.Crust1 1/2 cups graham crackers crumbs1/4 cup melted butterFilling4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened1 1/2 cups granulated sugar4 eggs1 cup (8 oz) canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spiceGarnishwhipped creampumpkin pie spiceInstructionsHeat oven to 300°F.Line a 13X9" baking pan with parchment paper leaving about 1 inch of paper hanging on the sides.In a medium size bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter.With your fingers press the crust on the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside while making the filling.In the mixing bowl of your stand-up mixer, add the cream cheese and sugar. With the paddle attachment on, beat on low speed until light and fluffy.Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until blended.Spoon half of the mixture over the crust and spread evenly.To the remaining cream cheese mixture add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.With a wire whisk stir until smooth. Carefully, spoon over mixture in pan.Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until just set. Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar allowing the cheesecake to slowly cool down for about 1 hour or so.Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before cutting into bars.Top each bar with whipped cream and a dust of pumpkin pie spice.-Here-