Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 large eggs
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Feel free to substitute gingersnap cookies for graham crackers to add a spicy kick, or use a mix of mascarpone and cream cheese for a richer texture.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the pumpkin puree, sour cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracking.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the cheesecake in a roasting pan and pour hot water into the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door ajar for about an hour.
- Remove from the oven, cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake, then remove the sides of the pan. Top with whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
