Pumpkin Spice Christmas Cheesecake (Print View)

A rich, creamy cheesecake infused with festive pumpkin spice on a spiced graham cracker crust with whipped cream topping.

# What You Need:

→ For the Crust

01 - 7 graham cracker sheets, crushed (about 2 cups crumbs)
02 - 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ For the Cheesecake Filling

05 - 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (3 packages)
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 cup pumpkin purée
08 - 3 large eggs
09 - ⅓ cup sour cream
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ For the Topping

14 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
15 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
16 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the base with parchment paper.
02 - Mix the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Press mixture firmly into the base of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
04 - Add pumpkin purée, eggs, sour cream, flour, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until just combined, scraping down sides as needed.
05 - Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly wobbly.
06 - Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Remove and cool completely at room temperature, then chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
07 - Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe onto chilled cheesecake.
08 - Sprinkle with cinnamon to garnish if desired. Release springform, slice, and serve.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The texture is impossibly creamy, like velvet on a spoon
  • The spices hit that perfect sweet spot without overwhelming
  • It looks impressive but comes together with basic techniques
02 -
  • Cold cream cheese creates lumps that never disappear, no matter how long you beat it
  • Overbaking causes cracks, so pull it out when that center still jiggles
  • The cooling-in-the-oven step prevents sinking and cracks from forming
03 -
  • Run a thin knife around the edge before releasing the springform
  • Room temperature ingredients blend together seamlessly
  • The water bath method creates the silkiest texture if you want to try

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