Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe with Graham Cracker Crust

Two things I love seeing together are pumpkin and cream cheese. This pumpkin cheesecake recipe is the ultimate combination of two delicious foods that creates the ultimate in tasty desserts. Whether you are preparing it for a fall celebration like Thanksgiving, or just want the rich pumpkin spice flavor another time of year, cheesecake is a great way to combine these flavors in a decadent and creamy dessert.

Jump to:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
• Can I Use a Ready-Made Graham Cracker Crust?
• What Other Cookies Can I Use for the Cheesecake Crust?
• What's in Pumpkin Pie Spice?
• What is a Bain Marie?
• Ingredients
• Handy Kitchen Tools
• How to Make a Homemade Graham Cracker Crust
• How to Make a Pumpkin Cheesecake
• How Long is Cheesecake Good For?
• Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Cheesecake
• More Cheesecake Recipes
• Printable Recipe:
• 📖 Recipe

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

One of the first recipes I ever made in my mom's kitchen was her cheesecake, and a few years later, this pumpkin cheesecake recipe became a new spin on that classic. If you aren't a huge fan of pumpkin spice, this is a great solution. It has the undertones of pumpkin without being overwhelming. The creamy cheesecake helps to make it mellow while also amping up the flavor in a truly unique way.

If you have leftover pumpkin after making this recipe, you might want to try this creamy pumpkin risotto recipe. It's such a wonderfully savory way to use up pumpkin, you'll be surprised at how yummy it tastes!

Can I Use a Ready-Made Graham Cracker Crust?

For this style of cheesecake, a ready-made crust doesn't work so well. The springform pan allows it to cook in the bain-marie method so it doesn't crack on top. If you want to make a cheesecake with a ready-made crust, you might prefer something like this no-bake Oreo cheesecake or this best-ever classic no-bake cheesecake instead.

What Other Cookies Can I Use for the Cheesecake Crust?

I typically use graham crackers for a cheesecake crust because they are crisp and flavorful, but also can be purchased as just crumbs for convenience. For the pumpkin recipe, you can use a number of different flavors that will add to the recipe and pair well with this creamy filling. Below are a few that I enjoy adding to the recipe and you might like to try with yours in place of the graham crackers.

• Snickerdoodles
• Gingersnaps
• Pumpkin spice cookies
• Chessman cookies
• Shortbread
• Lorna Doone cookies
• Vanilla wafers

What's in Pumpkin Pie Spice?

In this recipe, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon nutmeg are added to the cheesecake. You can also use just 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice blend if you prefer. If you've never made pumpkin pie spice, below is a simple recipe that is tasty and very much like the ready-made blends you pick up in the grocery store.

• 3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

What is a Bain Marie?

When making a cheesecake, one way to help it cook evenly and without cracks on top is to use a bain-marie, otherwise known as a water bath. This process is where you place the springform pan into a larger pan, then surround it with boiling water before putting it into the oven.

You will find this method is often used when making cheesecakes, souffle, or custards. It can also be used as a method to keep foods warm longer before serving.

Ingredients

• Graham crackers
• Sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin puree
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Eggs

Handy Kitchen Tools

• Food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9" springform pan
• Hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Roasting pan or baking dish that is 10" or wider

How to Make a Homemade Graham Cracker Crust

Wrap a 9" springform pan with aluminum foil so the bottom and 1" up each side are covered well.

In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until fine crumbs remain.

In a small bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until completely combined.

Pour the mixture into the springform pan and press into an even layer then set aside.

How to Make a Pumpkin Cheesecake

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until combined.

Add in the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and mix to combine.

Next, add in the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated.

Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan.

Bring 4 to 6 cups of water to a boil.

Place the springform pan into a large and deep roasting pan or baking dish.

Pour the boiling water into the roasting pan around the springform pan.

Carefully place the pan, with cheesecake, into the oven.

Reduce the heat to 325°F and bake for 1 hour.

Turn off the oven and prop the door open with at least 1 ½"-2" opening. Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door propped for 45 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven and place the springform pan on a wire cooling rack for 1 to 1 ½ hours until cool to the touch.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours to chill completely.

Top with whipped cream and slice to serve.

How Long is Cheesecake Good For?

Homemade cheesecake is best served within 5 days of baking. Keep it tightly covered with plastic wrap to prevent a film-forming over the top. If you wish to make and freeze it for later, it can be frozen for up to 3-months.

For best results, wrap the entire cheesecake in plastic wrap, then place it inside a large freezer bag. If freezing individual slices, you will want to wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, then place the individual slices into a freezer storage bag before putting them into the freezer. Date and label the items in the freezer then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Cheesecake

A simple slice of this cheesecake is perfection all by itself, but sometimes you want a little something extra when serving to guests. If you plan to make this for a holiday meal and want to add something extra, below are some ideas. These work great for turning an ordinary piece of cheesecake into a piece of art on a plate.

• Drizzle the top with caramel, butterscotch, or cinnamon syrup.
• Top with whipped cream whipped topping, or dollops of buttercream piped around the edges.
• Sprinkle the top with shaved white chocolate.
• Add a pumpkin cookie into a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
• Serve alongside a pumpkin spice latte, coffee, or spiced tea.

More Cheesecake Recipes

Cheesecake has long been my favorite dessert. There is just nothing as good as that creamy dessert, whether it is baked or no-bake. If you like cheesecake as much as I do, then you will enjoy these recipes as well. Make sure you pin, print, or bookmark the recipes to add to your menu plan soon!

• The Perfect New York Style Cheesecake Recipe
• Delicious Banana Pudding Cheesecake with Chessman Cookies
• Fluffy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
• The Best Chocolate Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache
• No-Bake Orange Vanilla Creamsicle Cheesecake
• Roasted Blueberry Cheesecake with Candied Meyer Lemon

Printable Recipe: