Everyone marvels over the smooth, creamy texture of cheesecake and its crumbly, buttery crust. And you can bring that sense of wonder to the Thanksgiving table. Pumpkin Cheesecake creates a delicious contrast between the sweet coolness of cheesecake and pumpkin’s autumn warmth and spice. With an extra pecan crunch in the crust, Pumpkin Cheesecake is satisfyingly rich and yet delectably delicate. This dessert breaks the traditional holiday mold but delivers on classic flavors!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup pecans, ground
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
For the pie:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (16-ounce) can pumpkin pie filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 3 large eggs
- whipped cream, optional, to taste, for serving
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –In a medium bowl, mix together the cracker crumbs, the pecans, the sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of the ginger.
Step 3 –Add the melted butter and stir until well-mixed.
Step 4 –Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
Step 5 –Bake the crust until golden, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 6 –Set it aside on a wire rack to cool.
Step 7 –In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar and the cream cheese until it is light and fluffy.
Step 8 –Add the pumpkin, the heavy cream, the remaining ginger, the cinnamon, the salt, the nutmeg, and the cloves and mix until combined.
Step 9 –Next combine the eggs 1 at a time with the cream cheese mixture, mixing in between each addition.
Step 10 –Allow the cream cheese mixture to come to room temperature.
Step 11 –Pour filling into the pie shell and bake until the filling is set, about 55-60 minutes.
Step 12 –Remove the cheesecake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool.
Step 13 –Refrigerate for 4 hours and up to overnight.
Step 14 –Top with the whipped cream and serve!