Pumpkin Cheesecake

Are you in the mood for over the top, festive dessert? Try my Pumpkin Cheesecake!

This easy Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe features a gingersnap crust topped, salty pumpkin seeds, and pumpkin spiced whipped cream. Simple and delicious!

‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin. I felt the need to create a pumpkin cheesecake with a little something, something to give it a unique edge.

I started my research and came across something interesting Food Network recipe claiming I could make a cheesecake in the slow cooker. This method begged to be tested.

The theory is as such: the slow cooker keeps the moisture in and prevents the pumpkin cheesecake from cracking. That is why you cook traditional cheesecakes in the oven in a water bath.

I had one tiny problem. After buying all of the ingredients, I realized my springform pans wouldn’t fit into my slow cooker.

Sadly, my experimental cooking technique was kaput, but I was making cheesecake anyhow. I would just have to do it the old fashioned way so I fired up the oven.

There are a few additional changed to the original Food Network recipe in addition to change the cooking method.

First, I wanted to add something more to the texture. I’m a nut for sweet and salty. I topped each slice with roasted, salted pumpkin seeds. This added crunch and the salt enhanced the flavor of the pumpkin.

Second, I decided regular old whipped cream was just not enough. I doctored mine up and made pumpkin spiced whipped cream. Just add pumpkin spice to your regular whipped cream and tada!

If you liked this Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe and are looking for more ideas for your holiday table, try these recipes:

• Apple Pie
• Pumpkin and Apple Pie
• Caramel Apple Poke Cake

If you are looking for even more dessert recipes, snag a copy of my Easy Dessert Recipes Mini-Cookbook. Available here for only $0.99, these easy dessert recipes are ready with less than 30 minutes hands-on time and are sure to please all your family friends. From no-bake to make-ahead, you are sure to find something you love!

5 from 12 votes

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Pumpkin Cheesecake

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

1 hr

Total Time

1 hr 20 mins

 

Traditional pumpkin cheesecake topped with salty pumpkin seeds and pumpkin spiced whipped cream.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pumpkin cheesecake

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: 468 kcal

Author: Jessica Formicola

Ingredients

Gingersnap Crust:

• 24 gingersnap cookies finely ground
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake:

• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 3 large eggs room temperature

Whipped Cream:

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup roasted and salted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Using a basting brush, cover the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. In a medium mixing bowl, mix gingersnap crumbs, salt and remaining melted butter. Mix until all crumbs are moistened. Press mixture into the bottom of the pan, pressing down hard with the back of a spoon. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove and reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.

2. In a large mixing bowl or in the bowl of your stand mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add brown sugar through pumpkin pie spice and mix until fully combined. Lastly, add eggs, one at a time until fully combined and smooth.
3. Pour cream cheese mixture over crust. Tap on your countertop for at least 1 minute to pull out any tiny air bubbles.

4. Place springform pan into a high rimmed baking sheet or the bottom of a broiler pan. Around springform pan, fill 1/2 way with water. Cooking in a water bath will keep your cheesecake smooth, allow to bake flat and prevent cracking.

5. Bake cheesecake for 45-60 minutes, or until the center has set and edges are a light brown. If edges start to brown before enter is set (not jiggly), loosely cover with a sheet of aluminum foil.

6. Remove and allow to fully cool. While still in springform pan, refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours, but preferably overnight.

7. Carefully remove from springform pan to serving dish.
8. Next, make whipped cream by whipping cold, heavy whipping cream until it becomes thick and will stand on its own. Whip in sugar and pumpkin pie spice.
9. When ready to serve, top each piece with a generous helping of pumpkin pie spiced whipped cream and sprinkle of roasted and salted pumpkin seeds.

10. If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was! 

Nutrition Facts

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Amount Per Serving

Calories 468 Calories from Fat 306

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 34g 52%

Saturated Fat 19g 95%

Cholesterol 146mg 49%

Sodium 310mg 13%

Potassium 222mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 35g 12%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 24g

Protein 5g 10%

Vitamin A 88.8%

Vitamin C 1.3%

Calcium 10.4%

Iron 10.2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.