Directions
- Prepare the Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar (if using), and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are fully coated with butter.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish to form a compact, even layer. You can use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it down tightly.
- Refrigerate the crust for about 15-20 minutes to help it set while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk to achieve a lump-free consistency.
- Add the pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You can use an electric mixer for this, or do it by hand with a whisk if you’re up for a workout!
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much. The filling should be light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cheesecake
- Once the crust has set, spoon the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to firm up and set properly.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the refrigerator and, if using a springform pan, carefully remove the sides of the pan.
- Slice the cheesecake and serve. For an extra festive touch, you can top it with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few candied pecans or crushed gingersnap cookies.
Notes
See more on the next page
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