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+ servings

Pumpkin Cheesecake

A creamy, dense pumpkin cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for small gatherings and cozy celebrations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Celebration, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the crust

  • 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs can substitute some with gingersnap crumbs for extra flavor
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons butter melted

For the filling

  • 32 ounces cream cheese at room temperature; Philadelphia brand preferred
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin Libby's brand preferred
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature

Toppings (optional)

  • Whipped cream
  • Toasted pecans
  • Caramel sauce
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Freshly whipped maple cream

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Place oven racks in the center of the oven. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs together with sugar and melted butter until well incorporated.
  • Using the bottom of a measuring cup, press crust into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 7 minutes.
  • Remove crust from oven and set aside.

Mixing the filling

  • Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
  • In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, mix cream cheese for 30 seconds until smooth.
  • Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and add in granulated sugar, mixing until smooth.
  • Stir in vanilla, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
  • Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix again.
  • Crack eggs into a liquid measuring cup and beat until well scrambled.
  • With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the eggs into the cream cheese mixture and stop stirring once the egg has been incorporated.
  • Remove the bowl from the mixer and scrape the sides and bottom again.
  • Tap the bowl on the counter for 30-45 seconds to remove as many air bubbles as possible.
  • Pour filling into the center of the graham cracker crust and gently smooth the top.

Baking the cheesecake

  • Bake for 40 minutes at 325°F.
  • Reduce temperature to 250°F and continue cooking for 45 minutes more.
  • Once this time has elapsed, turn oven off and keep cheesecake inside for another 30 minutes.
  • Crack oven door to let cheesecake cool slowly for one hour before removing.
  • Bring cheesecake to room temperature for 3-4 hours before covering with plastic wrap and transferring to the fridge.
  • Refrigerate until chilled completely for 6 hours to overnight.

Serving

  • To serve, open springform pan and remove collar.
  • Decorate as desired.
  • Use a hot knife for slicing for clean pieces.

Notes

Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least an hour before mixing to ensure a smooth batter. Cold lumps will prevent a glossy texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 8gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 16gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21g
Keyword cream cheese, Fall Dessert, Graham Cracker Crust, No Water Bath, Pumpkin Cheesecake
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