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Pumpkin cheesecake combines the best of both worlds--creamy cheesecake and spicy pumpkin pie. For a dessert that's sure to please lovers of cheesecake and traditional pumpkin pie, read on to learn how to make pumpkin cheesecake!
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Tips
- Freeze the graham-cracker crust for at least 10 minutes before baking it.
- Allowing the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing helps it to blend more evenly.
- Try varying the flavor of your crust by using gingersnaps instead of graham crackers or replacing some of the graham crackers with ground pecans.
- Add a layer of flavor to your pumpkin cheesecake by serving it with a maple pecan or cranberry glaze.
- Those with special dietary needs can find recipe adaptations such as gluten-free crusts or reduced-calorie fillings.
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Ingredients for the Filling
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 11/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into chunks, at room temperature
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Step 1: Make the Crust
- Before you make the crust, prepare your pan. Butter it well across the bottom and up the sides. If it has a tendency to leak, wrap the outside in a layer of aluminum foil.Epicurious.com: Strawberry Topped Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham-cracker crumbs, the sugar, and the melted butter.
- Stir until the butter has blended in and been evenly absorbed by the crumbs.StartCooking.com: Graham Cracker Pie Crust
- Pour the crumbs into the prepared pan.
- Use your hands or the bottom of a flat drinking glass to pat down into an even layer across the bottom of the pan and about halfway up the sides.Allrecipes.com: Making Crumb Crusts
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.Martha Stewart: Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Place the crust on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.Epicurious.com: Strawberry Topped Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
- Remove pan to a wire rack and let cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Epicurious.com: Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Using a whisk, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cream and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl.Epicurious.com: Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Combine granulated sugar, cornstarch, spices and salt in the bowl of a standing mixer with a paddle attachment, or use a large mixing bowl if you are using a hand mixer.
- Stir to mix.
- Add cream cheese to the sugar-and-spice mixture.
- Beat on medium-high speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.Epicurious.com: [ http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Bourbon-Pumpkin-Cheesecake-108770 Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake]
- Scrape the sides of the bowl.JoyofBaking.com: Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Turn the mixer down to medium and pour in the pumpkin mixture.
- Add the eggs, one at a time.What's Cooking America: Baking a Perfect Cheesecake
- Beat the filling until smooth and creamy.FoodNetwork.com: The Ultimate Cheesecake
- -Be careful not to over mix. Beating too much air into your cheesecake filling will cause the cheesecake to crack when baking.YouTube: Pumpkin Cheesecake (Time: 9:05)
- Pour the filling into the prepared, cooled crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula.Epicurious.com: Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake
Step 3: Bake and Cool
- Place the pan on a baking sheet.
- -To help prevent the cheesecake from cracking, pour water into the baking sheet until about halfway up the springform pan. This will keep the cheesecake moist.JoyofBaking.com: Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Bake in the center of a 350 degree F oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cheesecake has almost set.YouTube: Pumpkin Cheesecake (Time: 9:05)
- Turn off the oven and crack open the oven door. Leave the pumpkin cheesecake in the oven for an additional 30 minutes.What's Cooking America: Baking a Perfect Cheesecake
- Remove cheesecake from oven and place on rack.
- -The center of the cheesecake will now be set.YouTube: Pumpkin Cheesecake (Time: 9:05)
- Run a paring knife between the cheesecake and the inside of the pan to loosen it but do not remove pan.LandOLakes: Praline Cheesecake with Hot Fudge Caramel Sauce
- Let the cheesecake cool in the pan on a rack for 30 minutes.BettyCrocker.com: Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Cover and refrigerate cheesecake for at least four to eight hours or overnight.JoyofBaking.com: Pumpkin Cheesecake
Topping and Serving Suggestions
Before serving, run a knife along the edge to loosen the sides of the pan. Unmold the cake.What's Cooking America: Baking a Perfect Cheesecake You can then top, slice and enjoy! Try a few of these yummy topping ideas:- Maple and pecans are great accents to complement the fall flavor of a pumpkin cheesecake. Try drizzling a Maple Pecan Glaze over your pumpkin cheesecake before serving.BHG.com: Maple Pecan Glaze
- Try topping your pumpkin cheesecake with a layer of sweet, nutty Almond Praline.Allrecipes.com: Almond Praline Cheesecake
- A lovely and striking topping for pumpkin cheesecake is a Cranberry Glaze.Allrecipes.com: Cranberry Mocha Cheesecake
- For a simple but elegant garnish, place a dollop of whipped cream on each slice, drizzle with homemade or store-bought Caramel Sauce, and sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans.VeryBestBaking.com: Recipe: Caramel Sauce
Variations
- There are many ways to adapt the basic Pumpkin Cheesecake to give it your own signature flair. Try one of these variations:
- Replace a portion of the graham cracker crumbs with ground pecans or finely ground gingersnaps.JoyofBaking.com: Pumpkin Cheesecake Allrecipes.com: Pumpkin Cheesecake II
- Add a subtle bourbon flavor to the filling mix.Good Housekeeping: Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Infuse the filling mix with a hint of brandy.BettyCrocker.com: Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Try a Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake. With the addition of pure maple syrup to the filling and a maple glaze overtop, this version is a showstopper! BHG.com: Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Add a smooth and creamy Sour Cream Topping to your Pumpkin Cheesecake.Allrecipes.com: [ http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pumpkin-Cheesecake/Detail.aspx Pumpkin Cheesecake]
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