Description
Rich and creamy pumpkin cheesecake blends classic autumn spices with smooth cream cheese in a graham cracker crust. Seasonal comfort emerges through balanced flavors that invite holiday warmth and nostalgic dessert memories.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing the surface and preheat the oven to 325F (165C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom to create a compact crust.
- Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until achieving a silky smooth consistency.
- Incorporate pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt into the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly until well integrated.
- Gently introduce eggs one at a time, mixing minimally after each addition to maintain a light texture.
- Transfer the pumpkin cheesecake filling into the prepared crust, carefully smoothing the surface to ensure an even layer.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, monitoring until the center remains slightly wobbly but mostly set.
- Switch off the oven, slightly open the door, and allow the cheesecake to gradually cool inside for one hour, preventing potential surface cracks.
- Extract the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to achieve optimal setting.
- When serving, optionally garnish with whipped cream or drizzle caramel sauce for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Prevent cracks by baking the cheesecake in a water bath, which provides gentle, even heat and helps maintain moisture during cooking.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter without overmixing.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, which can help create a lower-calorie version of this decadent dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg