Pumpkin Cheesecake: How to Bake The Best Spiced and Creamy Dessert
The Pumpkin Cheesecake is a delightful blend of two classic favorites: creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin pie.
This dessert brings together the rich, smooth texture of cheesecake with the warm, earthy flavors of pumpkin and fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s a perfect treat for autumn, offering the comfort and nostalgia of traditional pumpkin pie with the indulgent creaminess of cheesecake. Whether served at Thanksgiving or any cozy fall gathering, pumpkin cheesecake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Pumpkin as an ingredient has a long history in American cuisine, dating back to the early Native Americans, who used it in a variety of ways, including drying it for preservation. When European settlers arrived, pumpkin quickly became a staple in their diets, eventually leading to the creation of dishes like pumpkin pie. By the early 20th century, pumpkin pie had solidified its place as a classic holiday dessert, and as cheesecake gained popularity in the U.S., it was only natural that the two would eventually merge.
Pumpkin cheesecake likely emerged in the mid-20th century, as chefs and home bakers began experimenting with combining seasonal flavors into familiar desserts. The creamy richness of cheesecake is perfectly complemented by the spiced sweetness of pumpkin, making it a natural evolution of both desserts. The smooth texture of the cream cheese base allows the pumpkin and spices to shine, while a graham cracker crust or spiced cookie base adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
A fun anecdote is that pumpkin-flavored everything has become synonymous with fall, especially in the U.S. The rise of pumpkin spice lattes in the 2000s only fueled the trend, and now pumpkin-flavored desserts, like pumpkin cheesecake, are a much-anticipated part of the autumn food landscape. This seasonal appeal, combined with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, makes pumpkin cheesecake a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
This pumpkin cheesecake combines the best of cheesecake and pumpkin pie into one delicious dessert. With a spiced graham cracker crust and creamy pumpkin filling, it’s perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon.
Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the springform pan to form the crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while preparing the filling.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add sugar and beat until creamy.
- Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, and mix well.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
- Add sour cream and heavy cream, and mix until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Remove from the pan, slice, and serve.
Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.
Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as it has added sugar and spices.
Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven helps prevent cracks.
With a foundation in French culinary tradition and a flair for fusion cuisine, Chef Isabelle Laurent brings gourmet techniques to everyday meals. Trained in a virtual culinary institute, Isabelle specializes in elevating simple recipes with refined methods, blending classic French techniques with global flavors. Her approachable style and expert guidance make even the most sophisticated dishes accessible to home cooks of all levels. Known for her creativity, Isabelle believes in transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals, from classic fried chicken to indulgent espresso cheesecake.
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