The Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning (unless you’re in Florida like we are), and the pumpkin spice is flowing. It’s that time of year again, folks – pumpkin season. What better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious pumpkin cheesecake? The perfect marriage of tangy, creamy cheesecake and warm, spicy pumpkin. The best part? Making it is easier than you might think.

Step 1: Crust of Champions

Let’s talk crust. You can’t have a good cheesecake without a solid base. The crust is the foundation that holds everything together. For our pumpkin cheesecake, we want to use a graham cracker crust. This provides a sweet, slightly crunchy contrast to the creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin. Crush up some graham crackers, mix in some melted butter and sugar, and press it into your pan. I like to use a springform pan for ease of removal, but any pie tin will do.

Step 2: Get Cheesy

Now comes the fun part – the cheesecake. The key to a good cheesecake is room-temperature ingredients. Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are all at room temp before starting. Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until it’s nice and smooth. Then, add in your room-temperature eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cheesecake.

Step 3: The Star of the Show

It’s pumpkin time, baby. We’re going to add canned pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to our cheesecake mixture. You can adjust the spices to your liking if you want a stronger or milder flavor. Once everything is combined, pour the mixture into your crust.

Step 4: Sizzle and Chill

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place your cheesecake in the oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it's done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let the cheesecake cool for about an hour. Once it’s at room temperature, pop it into the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Give it Some Love

Now it’s time to show off your masterpiece. Top your cheesecake with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and voila – a stunning pumpkin cheesecake that will impress all your friends and family.

With a few easy steps, you can have a mouthwatering pumpkin cheesecake that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. So, whip out that apron and get baking!

Sources:

https://natashaskitchen.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe/

https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/pumpkin-cheesecake/

https://sugarspunrun.com/pumpkin-cheesecake/