It's November, y'all! Some may say "Where did the year go?!" and, while I agree that it has flown by, this is my favorite time of year. I'm a summer baby and enjoy the warmth of the season but the end of the year is up there for me, I can't lie. (*In my Joanne the Scammer voice*) Everything slows down a bit, the house just feels more cozy, and the food, y'all. The food. The Thanksgiving holiday is every American cook's delight/workout and, of course, Christmas is my absolute favorite. I get to decorate, cook, give presents, and, most importantly, celebrate Jesus! So, as we slide on into this beloved time of year, I thought I would share a new family favorite for your Turkey Day table or really, whenever you feel like making it: Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake. It starts with a simple graham cracker crust, which is filled with a smooth and creamy pumpkin cheesecake batter.
I've previously mentioned that I'm not into pumpkin pie. I was raised in a sweet potato pie household so that's where my loyalties lie by default. On the scale of things, sweet potato pie is way above pumpkin pie but still not at the top of my list. (This sweet potato praline bread pudding is the business, though!) Cheesecake, on the other hand, is one of my favorite kinds of cake. My other faves are carrot and tres leches, in case you're wondering. 🙂 There are so many yummy [and crazy] cheesecake creations out there but this one is pretty simple, as far as cheesecakes go. It's not consumed by the pumpkin flavor and the classic sweet cream cheese flavor still comes through like a champ. The recipe is fool-proof and so easy to follow.
I first made this for Thanksgiving last year and it was a hit with my whole family...none of whom particularly like pumpkin! The holidays are a great time to test new recipes because you have a hungry, captive audience...not that I ever have a shortage of food tasters around. It's also a good time to shake things up. Of course, I'm not suggesting throwing out your grandma's dressing recipe or anything like that. Let's not get crazy! In my house, Granny's dressing is a Thanksgiving cornerstone. I hope you'll try this and let me know if you and your family enjoy just as much as mine did.
Are you like me and would enjoy this perfect pumpkin cheesecake but not pumpkin pie? Whether you're on the pumpkin train or not, I recommend you check out a few other pumpkin favorites: pumpkin donuts, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin salsa, pumpkin maple baked oatmeal, pumpkin spice hot chocolate. Thanks for reading!
Pumpkin flavored classic cheesecake with graham cracker crust
- 24 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ¾ cup butter melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 13 ½ sheets graham crackers crushed
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix graham cracker crumbs with sea salt, ¼ cup brown sugar and melted butter then press into the bottom and up the sides of a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth (about 4 minutes). Mix in remaining ingredients.
- Gently pour batter over crust. Bake for 1 hour.
- Cool slightly then cover and chill for at least 4 hours (I usually leave it overnight).
jehava says
This looks like perfection! I have to try this soon!
candy says
Making cheesecake is so easy and there are so many different versions to choose from. Your pumpkin one sounds delicious.
Travel Pockets (Crystal) says
This sounds so amazing. I love any pumpkin dessert! Gotta try to make it for Thanksgiving this year.
Tammy says
Pumpkin cheesecake is one of my favorites and this one sounds delicious!!!! Thank you for sharing!!
Belle says
I love cheesecakes! I'll have to try this.
One Awesome Momma
Harmony, Momma To Go says
Wow this looks amazing. I love pumpkin pie, and cheesecake! Thanks for sharing
TIFFANY says
this looks amazing. Cheesecake is my weakness to begin with, add pumpkin and it's the best ever!
Jackie says
This looks amazing! Definitely
Making this for thanksgiving 🙂
Kimi says
Saving this recipe now, YUM! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
The Golden Girl Diary says
I could totally eat the whole pie right now! It looks so good!
xo, Amanda | http://www.thegoldengirldiary.com
Erin Klema | The Epicurean Traveler says
Cheesecake is my favorite dessert, and I love pumpkin flavored anything. So this combines two of my favorite things into one perfect dessert for fall!
Heather @Boston Girl Bakes says
Oh man I can't be trusted around pumpkin cheesecake 🙂 I would devour this!
Karen - Sarcastic Parent says
Oh wow this looks so delicious. I have never tried to make a cheesecake but I might have to if it has pumpkin in it! Great job!
Jazz says
Thank you! You should try it--it's much easier than it looks.
jill conyers says
Seriously happy that it's love al things pumpkin season. Looks delicious.
Crystal says
This title is bang on.. pumpkin and cheesecake.. delicious.
Rochelle says
Omg pumpkin and cheesecake all in one ! I'm in ... I love cheesecake and this flavor is perfect for Fall.
With Love Rochelle
http://www.withloverochelle.com
Megan says
This looks killer! I need to try, would be great for thanksgiving! I'm usually scared of cheesecakes but this seems easy enough 😉
Jazz says
Yes! It is easy so don't be scared lol. Thanks for reading!
Miri says
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ... mmmmmm
Justine Y @ Little Dove says
I would like pumpkin pie AND pumpkin cheesecake, not together mind you, but both are delicious to me. 😉 I have actually never made a cheesecake at home, but I've always wanted to!