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heavenly pumpkin cheesecake

patrickmeyer avatar
Recipe by
Patrick Meyer
@patrickmeyer
Greenville, SC

I won Best in Show at the Brevard, NC Apple/Pumpkin Bake-Off with this showstopper. The crust is buttery, the filling is comforting, and PILE ON THE WHIPPED CREAM. Make sure not to not to overwhip the filling, this will prevent cracks.

yield 10 serving(s)
prep time 20 Min
cook time 2 Hr 45 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For heavenly pumpkin cheesecake

  • GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST
  • 12 Tbsp
    unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 1/2 c
    finely ground honey graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 c
    granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch
    kosher salt
  • PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE FILLING
  • 4 8-ounce pkg
    cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 1/2 c
    granulated sugar
  • 1/4 c
    sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 15-ounce can
    pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 6
    large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 Tbsp
    pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp
    kosher salt
  • 2 1/2 tsp
    ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp
    ginger powder
  • 1/4 tsp
    ground cloves
  • TOPPING
  • 1 pkg
    cool whip

How To Make heavenly pumpkin cheesecake

  • 1
    Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush a 10-inch springform pan with some of the butter. Stir the remaining butter with the crumbs, 1/4 cup of the sugar and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Then wrap the outside of the springform pan with foil. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, packing it tightly and evenly. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Cool on a rack, and place in a roasting pan.
  • 2
    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Add the remaining 2 1/2 cups sugar and beat until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl and beaters as needed. Beat in the sour cream, then add the pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, 1 teaspoon salt and the spices and beat until just combined. Pour into the cooled crust.
  • 3
    Gently place the roasting pan in the oven and pull the rack out. Pour the boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes about halfway up the side of the springform pan. Bake until the outside of the cheesecake sets but the center is still loose, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and open the door for 5 minutes to let out some heat. Leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 more hour, then carefully remove from the roasting pan and cool on a rack. Run a knife around the edges, cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • 4
    Bring the cheesecake to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Unlock and remove the springform ring. To finish, pipe whipped cream on each slice.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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