Description
This festive pumpkin cheesecake features a creamy spiced filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and a stunning caramel web topping. It’s an easy, show-stopping dessert perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 sheets)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup store-bought caramel sauce
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Whipped cream (optional garnish)
- Toasted pecans or walnuts (optional garnish)
- Extra cinnamon or pumpkin spice for dusting (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until evenly coated.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes).
- Add sugar and mix until combined, scraping down sides as needed.
- Add pumpkin puree, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until just combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
- Add cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix until incorporated.
- Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Place springform pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325°F for 55-65 minutes, until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
- If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and cool on wire rack for 1 hour.
- Run a thin knife around edge to loosen. Chill in fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Mix caramel sauce with heavy cream in a small bowl. Microwave in 10-second bursts until pourable.
- Drizzle caramel over chilled cheesecake in spiral or zig-zag pattern.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to drag lines outward from center, creating a web effect.
- Top with whipped cream and toasted nuts if desired.
- Slice with a warm, damp knife for clean cuts, wiping between slices.
Notes
For gluten-free, use GF graham crackers. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cream cheese and coconut cream. Let ingredients come to room temperature for best texture. If cracks occur, cover with caramel and whipped cream. Make ahead for deeper flavor; cheesecake freezes well.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 260
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake, caramel web, fall dessert, Thanksgiving, easy cheesecake, holiday baking, spiced pumpkin, creamy cheesecake, autumn recipes