Description
A straightforward recipe for a creamy pumpkin cheesecake with a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).
- Prepare the filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add 3/4 cup sugar and beat until combined.
- Mix in the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth. Do not overmix.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
- Place the springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until the water reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this is a water bath).
- Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
- For the smoothest texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully at room temperature.
- If you do not have heavy-duty foil, use two layers to wrap the springform pan securely against water leakage.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 65 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 100
Keywords: pumpkin, cheesecake, graham cracker crust, fall dessert, spiced