Pumpkin Spice Christmas Cheesecake (Print Version)

Rich and creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake with spiced graham cracker crust and whipped cream topping.

# What You Need:

→ For the Crust

01 - 7 ounces graham crackers, crushed
02 - 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ For the Cheesecake Filling

05 - 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 cup pumpkin purée
08 - 3 large eggs
09 - 1/3 cup sour cream
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ For the Topping

14 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
15 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
16 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper.
02 - Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Press mixture firmly into the base of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
04 - Add pumpkin purée, eggs, sour cream, flour, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until just combined, scraping down sides as needed.
05 - Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly wobbly.
06 - Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Remove and cool completely at room temperature, then chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
07 - Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe onto chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle with cinnamon to garnish if desired.
08 - Release springform, slice, and serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of creamy cheesecake and real pumpkin creates an incredibly silky texture that nobody can resist
  • The spiced graham cracker crust adds such a warm, fragrant foundation that people actually ask for the recipe
  • This cheesecake looks stunning on any holiday table and somehow tastes even better the next day
02 -
  • Rushing the cooling process almost always leads to cracks, so give yourself plenty of time for the gradual cooling phase
  • Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable for achieving that silky smooth texture everyone wants
  • The slight wobble in the center is perfect as the cheesecake continues cooking while it cools
03 -
  • A water bath in the oven creates the most velvety texture if you want to take it to the next level
  • Adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling gives it a sophisticated adult twist

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