Pumpkin Spice Christmas Cheesecake (Printable View)
Rich, creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake with spiced graham cracker crust and whipped cream topping. Ideal for festive celebrations.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Crust
01 - 7 ounces graham crackers, crushed
02 - ½ cup 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 - ⅓ 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
# How to Make It:
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 filling over cooled crust. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly wobbly.
06 - Turn off oven, crack 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 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 Suggestions:
01 -
- The pumpkin spice flavor hits all those cozy autumn notes while still feeling festive enough for Christmas dinner
- This cheesecake manages to be both impressively elegant and surprisingly forgiving for home bakers
02 -
- The cooling-in-the-oven step prevents the sudden temperature change that causes cracks
- Room temperature ingredients blend together seamlessly while cold ones create lumps that never quite disappear
03 -
- A water bath isn't strictly necessary but it guarantees an ultra-smooth texture and minimizes cracking
- Run a thin knife around the edge of the pan right after baking to prevent it from sticking as it contracts