Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan and set aside.

For crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well with your hands. Add the melted butter, stir well with a fork, then rub the mixture together with your fingers until evenly mixed. Press the mixture with your fingertips to form a level layer on the bottom of the prepared pan with a lip extending about 1/4 inch up the sides. Bake for 8 minutes on the center oven rack. Cool on a rack.  Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

For filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth, gradually adding the 2/3 cup of sugar. Beat in the egg and egg yolk, until smooth, then blend in the vanilla. Mix the cornstarch, spices, and additional 1 tablespoon of sugar in a separate small bowl. Slowly beat the spice mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Beat in the pumpkin and heavy cream until evenly blended. Pour the filling over the crust. Bake on the center oven rack for 40 to 45 minutes. When done, the filling will have risen and it will not be loose or liquid when you move the pan. Cool on a rack.