Description
Seasonal pumpkin swirl cheesecake delight brings autumn’s warmth to dessert tables with its creamy layers and spiced charm. Delicate swirls and rich flavors invite you to savor each luxurious bite of this irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 grams) pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
Flavoring and Sweetening Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
- 1 cup (240 grams) sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Prepare the foundation by mixing graham cracker crumbs with butter and sugar, then press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, creating a crisp base for the cheesecake.
- Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, ensuring a silky, even texture.
- Create the pumpkin layer by whisking pumpkin puree with brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until completely integrated and aromatic.
- Construct the cheesecake by alternating layers of cream cheese and pumpkin mixtures. Use a knife to create elegant swirls, generating a marbled visual effect throughout the dessert.
- Position the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Look for slightly set edges with a gentle center wobble, indicating perfect doneness.
- After baking, allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for one hour, preventing sudden temperature changes that might cause cracking.
- Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set completely.
- Release from springform pan, slice with a warm knife, and serve chilled for a decadent autumn-inspired dessert experience.
Notes
- Prevent Cracks: Gently tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles before baking, which helps create a smooth, crack-free surface.
- Spice Customization: Adjust pumpkin pie spice intensity by adding more or using freshly ground spices for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making party planning easier.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg