Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe For Thanksgiving
Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake? This mouthwatering dessert combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices. Whether you're looking to impress your friends and family at a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy treat for yourself, this recipe is a winner. In this blog post, we'll take you through the step-by-step instructions for creating this delectable dessert. We'll also explore some variations, tips, and even suggested food pairings to enhance your culinary experience.
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Baking Sheet
- Food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin (for crushing graham crackers)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and position a rack in the center.
- In a food processor or using a zip-top bag and rolling pin, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
- Mix in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Gradually add the pumpkin mixture to the cream cheese mixture and mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust.
- Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent any water from seeping in during baking.
- Place the pan on a baking sheet and add about 1 inch of hot water to the sheet.
- Bake the cheesecake for about 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool for an hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When you're ready to serve, you can add a dollop of whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with chopped pecans for that extra touch of indulgence.
Notes
Pumpkin Cheesecake is the ultimate fall dessert, and it's easier to make than you might think. With the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and seasonal spices, it's sure to become a favorite among your friends and family. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake this mouthwatering treat. Your taste buds will thank you!