Not so sure that pumpkin cheesecake is better than pumpkin pie? Test the waters with this classic recipe that has the perfect pumpkin-to-cheesecake ratio.

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This pumpkin cheesecake recipe is easy and has just the right amount of pumpkin flavor. It tastes exactly like a cheesecake that crossed paths with a pumpkin pie – the best of both worlds. The only thing difficult about this cheesecake is waiting for it to cool down so you could eat it!

This pumpkin cheesecake is delicious by itself but is just over-the-top impressive when you add some of that caramel sauce and rum-infused whipped cream. This is the perfect holiday dessert. It’s inspired by Fall, makes your home smell incredible, and will have your dinner guests humming with delight.

This pumpkin cheesecake recipe is easy and has just the right amount of pumpkin flavor @natashaskitchen

Pumpkin Cheesecake Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 12 whole graham crackers)
6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) melted, unsalted butter
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8-ounces each) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cups (about 9 oz by weight) packed light brown sugar
15 oz canned pumpkin pie mix (use half of the 30 oz can)
4 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour *measured correctly
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or make your own)
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp real vanilla extract

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Optional Pumpkin Cheesecake Toppings:

1 cup of cold heavy cream beat with 1 Tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp rum or vanilla
Pumpkin pie spice to dust
Toasted pecans
Caramel sauce – this 8-minute recipe will rock your cheesecake

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe-2

How to Make a Pie Crust:

Preheat Oven to 350˚F.
1. Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 6 Tbsp melted butter. Transfer into a 9-inch springform pan with 3″ tall walls and use a large spoon to press crumbs into the bottom of your springform pan, and going about 1/2″ up the sides of the pan. Bake at 350˚F for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temp.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe-8

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe-3

How to make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling:

Preheat Oven to 350˚F.
1. In the bowl of your mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the 3 packages of softened cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar on med speed until light and fluffy and without lumps (5 min), scraping down the bowl once to make sure you don’t have chunks of cream cheese. Tip: brown sugar is considered “packed” when it holds it’s shape as it comes out of the measuring cup.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe-9

Have a taste of this cream cheese frosting. It would make a super yummy frosting actually! Just don’t eat too much. You need it for your cheesecake.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe-4

2. In a separate bowl, using  a whisk, stir together 15 oz pumpkin pie mix, 4 large eggs, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 Tbsp flour, 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Add this mixture to the cheesecake filling and continue mixing on low speed just until well combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe-10

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe-11

3. Transfer filling into pre-baked crust and bake on the middle rack at 350˚F for 1 hour. Turn off heat, prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon and let cheesecake sit in the oven another 45 min. Then remove from the oven and let cool to room temp before covering with plastic wrap and refrigerating. Serve when fully chilled (at least 4 hours in the refrigerator, or overnight).

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe-12

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe-5

4. Before serving, carefully remove cheesecake from springform pan by running a blunt knife along the sides of the cheesecake to release from the springform mold. Add desired toppings (see list above) and serve

This pumpkin cheesecake recipe is easy and has just the right amount of pumpkin flavor @natashaskitchen

To Make the Whipped Cream:

Tip: Freeze mixing bowl for 10 minutes to get the best whipped cream results.

1. In a cold mixing bowl, add 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream, 1 Tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp rum or vanilla. Beat on high speed until fluffy and spreadable. Don’t over-beat or it will turn buttery. It only takes less than 2 min to make fresh whipped cream.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe-6

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

4.96 from 1099 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Not so sure that pumpkin cheesecake is better than pumpkin pie? Test the waters with this classic recipe that has the perfect pumpkin-to-cheesecake ratio.
This pumpkin cheesecake recipe is easy and has just the right amount of pumpkin flavor. It tastes exactly like a cheesecake that crossed paths with a pumpkin pie - the best of both worlds. This pumpkin cheesecake is delicious by itself but is just over-the-top impressive when you add some of that caramel sauce and rum-infused whipped cream. This is the perfect holiday dessert.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Chilling Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 10 slices

The Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, from about 12 whole graham crackers
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

The Filling:

Optional Toppings:

  • 1 cup cold heavy cream beat with 1 Tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp rum or vanilla
  • Pumpkin pie spice to dust
  • Toasted pecans
  • Caramel sauce

Instructions

How to Make the Crust: Preheat Oven to 350˚F.

  • Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 6 Tbsp melted butter. Transfer into a 9-inch springform pan with 3" tall walls and use a large spoon to press crumbs into the bottom of your springform pan, and going about 1/2" up the sides of the pan. Bake at 350˚F for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temp.

How to make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling: Preheat Oven to 350˚F.

  • In the bowl of your mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the 3 packages of softened cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar on med speed until light and fluffy and without lumps (5 min), scraping down the bowl once to make sure you don't have chunks of cream cheese. Tip: brown sugar is considered "packed" when it holds it's shape as it comes out of the measuring cup.
  • Have a taste of this cream cheese frosting. It would make a super yummy frosting actually! Just don't eat too much. You need it for your cheesecake.
  • In a separate bowl, using a whisk, stir together 15 oz pumpkin pie mix, 4 large eggs, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 Tbsp flour, 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Add this mixture to the cheesecake filling and continue mixing on low speed just until well combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  • Transfer filling into pre-baked crust and bake on the middle rack at 350˚F for 1 hour or until slightly wobbly in the center. Turn off heat, prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon and let cheesecake sit in the oven another 45 min. Then remove from the oven and let cool to room temp before covering with plastic wrap and refrigerating. Serve when fully chilled (at least 4 hours in the refrigerator, or overnight).
  • Before serving, carefully remove cheesecake from springform pan by running a blunt knife along the sides of the cheesecake to release from the springform mold. Add desired toppings (see list above) and serve.

To Make the Whipped Cream:

  • Tip: Freeze mixing bowl for 10 minutes to get the best whipped cream results.
  • In a cold mixing bowl, add 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream, 1 Tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp rum or vanilla. Beat on high speed until fluffy and spreadable. Don't over-beat or it will turn buttery. It only takes less than 2 min to make fresh whipped cream.

Nutrition Per Serving

565kcal Calories59g Carbs8g Protein34g Fat19g Saturated Fat160mg Cholesterol547mg Sodium255mg Potassium4g Fiber39g Sugar4766IU Vitamin A2mg Vitamin C144mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
565
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
34
g
52
%
Saturated Fat
 
19
g
119
%
Cholesterol
 
160
mg
53
%
Sodium
 
547
mg
24
%
Potassium
 
255
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
59
g
20
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
39
g
43
%
Protein
 
8
g
16
%
Vitamin A
 
4766
IU
95
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
144
mg
14
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pumpkin Cheesecake
Skill Level: Easy/Medium
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 565
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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This pumpkin cheesecake recipe is easy and has just the right amount of pumpkin flavor @natashaskitchen

4.96 from 1099 votes (824 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Allyson
    November 25, 2020

    Made it for my family and friends and it is SOO good everyone’s making it for their Thanksgiving!
    TIP: this recipe makes 2 servings for premade crusts so cut in half for 1

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      Hello Allyson, that is fantastic! I’m so glad your family enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Kerry
    November 25, 2020

    I pulled this out if the oven after the 45 minute cool down time and it has a crack in it as others noted, but seems more highly in center than expected. Will this set more once in the fridge?

    Reply

    • Kerry
      November 25, 2020

      That was supposed to say “jiggly” in the center, lol.

      Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Kerry, the crack could be due to over-baking, at times adjustments need to be made especially if your oven is not calibrated. Some ovens run hotter than others. You might try checking on the cheesecake a little earlier in the next go-around.

      Reply

  • Veronica
    November 25, 2020

    Hi Natasha,

    This is the first time I’m following this recipe and so far the batter tastes amazing! My cake is currently in the oven and has 24 mins left, but I’m noticing it’s already starting to crack. My springform pan is dark which would conduct more heat — should the heat be turned off sooner than the full hour?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      The Veronica, the crack could be due to over-baking, at times adjustments need to be made especially if your oven is not calibrated. Some ovens run hotter than others. You might try checking on the cheesecake a little earlier.

      Reply

  • Atena
    November 25, 2020

    This is a great recipe, but you may want to edit to add that the springform pan should go on top of a sheet pan or something. I almost burned my kitchen down. The springform leaked all over the bottom of my stove and started burning and sending smoke through the house. I had to pull my cheesecake after only 30 minutes and ask my neighbor if I can use their oven to finish the cheesecake. All’s well that ends well.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Atena, that is such a bummer – yikes! I’m glad it ended well. Did your springform open up in the oven? If it’s known to be loose, that is definitely a wise move with anything baked in that springform pan. Also, it definitely helps to have the crumbs going up the sides slightly which also helps to seal the pan and prevent leaks.

      Reply

  • Margarita Orozco Chavez
    November 25, 2020

    The best cheesecake ever, I lost the recipe that I made every year for thanksgiving, When I saw the reviews and the stars ✨ I told myself I have to try it. I am glad I did it, this is going to be my cheesecake recipe from now .
    You won’t be disappointed ,

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Samantha
    November 25, 2020

    Hi Natasha! What is the drizzle you used on top?

    Reply

  • Kerry
    November 25, 2020

    I just made this and pulled out of oven after the “45 minutes in oven with door open”. A crack in center as others mention, but seems a bit more “ jiggly” in center than expected. Should I bake more or let cool and hope it sets in fridge?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Kerry, I would let it bake longer if it is too jiggly in the center.

      Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Kerry, I would let it bake longer if it is too jiggly in the center but a little jiggle is okay.

      Reply

  • Frank Garcia
    November 25, 2020

    I accidentally bought Neufchatel cheese, and went ahead anyway (didn’t feel like going back out–and it’s 1/3 the fat)..Will this work even though its a softer cheese?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Frank! I hope that works out for you! I haven’t tested this with Neufchatel cheese to advise if that will work, however. We would love to know how you like that!

      Reply

  • Paula
    November 25, 2020

    I just measured my springform pan and its sides are 2 1/2”. Could I possibly get away with using it, or should I run out and get a pan with 3” sides?

    Thanks!
    Paula

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Paula, I think that would still work to use a 2 1/2″ pan, but I wouldn’t go smaller than a 9″ diameter pan at that height.

      Reply

      • Paula Knier
        November 25, 2020

        It is 9”. Can’t wait to taste it! Thank you!

        Reply

      • Paula
        November 26, 2020

        Wish I could put a picture. It was so delicious, from the cheesecake to the caramel sauce to the whip cream. I followed the recipes exactly and it turned out beautifully. It will be on the table next Thanksgiving, as well.

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          November 26, 2020

          I can imagine how beautiful it was! You can share some photos with us on our Facebook page via the comments section or you can do it too on our Facebook group. I would recommend joining if you haven’t yet.

          Reply

  • Jamie
    November 25, 2020

    We followed the recipe exactly and during the 45 min period with the oven off it formed cracks all over it. Really disappointed!
    That said, it smells really good so hopefully the taste will make up for the sad looks.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Jamie, The crack could be due to over-baking, at times adjustments need to be made especially if your oven is not calibrated. Some ovens run hotter than others. You might try checking on the cheesecake a little earlier in the next go-around.

      Reply

      • Sheila S.
        November 25, 2020

        I just finished mine too and it opened in the middle. Do you think it was undercooked? It did not look at cooked as yours on the photo. Sometimes people say it is because of the cream cheese not being room temperature. I let mine site before using it. Could it be it? It smells delicious but I was never able to make a cheesecake that didn’t crack. Any suggestions? My oven sucks though.

        Reply

        • Sheila S.
          November 25, 2020

          Also, mine seemed a bit more moist in the middle than the one showing in your picture. So I wonder if mine was undercooked?

          Reply

        • Natasha
          November 25, 2020

          Hi Sheila, make sure you fully chill before serving. Once it is fully chilled, it will set. You don’t want to serve it until it fully sets or it will seem looser. I wonder if your oven runs hotter which can cause it to rise too quickly and then crack. Also, make sure when beating the filling, that you don’t do it on too high of heat because air can incorporate into the filling and cause cracks.

          Reply

  • Julia T.
    November 25, 2020

    I want to make this and have never made cheesecake before. My sister suggested a gingersnap crust. Would I just use gingersnaps instead of graham crackers and follow everything else?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Julie, I have not tested this with gingersnap crust to advise. We LOVE it with a graham crust, but I’m curious how you like this recipe if you test it out with gingersnap.

      Reply

  • Kate
    November 25, 2020

    Realizing I only have pumpkin puree.. any suggestions on how to adjust recipe to use this instead?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Kate, we have made this with pumpkin puree and it still works. You can add a little extra spice to compensate.

      Reply

  • Barbara Audino
    November 25, 2020

    Made the pumpkin cheesecake it was delicious but when it cane out if oven it had a huge crack on top going it more than one direction what did i do wrong i followed recipe as written

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      The crack could be due to over-baking. Some ovens run hotter than others. You might try checking on the cheesecake a little earlier in the next go-around.

      Reply

  • Brooke
    November 24, 2020

    Hello!

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes! Does this cheesecake require a water bath?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      Hello Brooke, you are welcome. I don’t do the water bath for this one and haven’t had any issues. If you prefer to have some moisture in the oven, you can add a metal pan (like a bread pan half full with hot water) and place it on a rack while the cake is baking.

      Reply

      • Brooke
        November 26, 2020

        Thank you Natasha! This was our 1st. try a making cheesecake. Your instructions are very well written! I finally chose not to use a water bath- just to see. As it cooled in oven, door ajar with spoon, it formed a delightful crack that looked like a big star, but this did not bother me at all; I chose not to make a topping, just a whip cream garnish. It was incredibly delicious! I didn’t purchase PPS, but made a batch instead:
        1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
        ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
        ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
        ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves-
        * Some ppl. prefer Allspice or Mace instead of, or in addition to clove (Same amt).

        We loved this Cheesecake recipe. It was absolutely delightful! Good bye Pumpkin Pie! (for this year anyway) & Hello Pumpkin Cheesecake! Thank you again for for sharing this recipe.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          November 26, 2020

          Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Brooke! I’m happy you enjoyed this recipe!

          Reply

  • Kristen
    November 24, 2020

    Hi Natasha! We love all of your recipes! I have learned so much from you. Thank you!
    I am making this for Thanksgiving and I originally planned to make it with Libby’s Pure Pumpkin since that is how I make my pumpkin pies. If I add the seasonings called for on the back of the 15 oz. pumpkin can- 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ginger, 1/4 tsp. cloves, do you think that will be equally as good as using the pumpkin pie mix plus pumpkin spice? I have read through the comments multiple times, yet I am still unsure if I should go with the Pumpkin Pie Mix instead. Would I also need to add the 3/4 c. sugar? Thank you!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Kristen, It’s definitely easiest to go with the canned pumpkin pie mix. That should work with the added seasoning and pumpkin puree as well. I would add a little more sugar since the canned pumpkin pie mix has more sugar in it.

      Reply

  • Elaine
    November 24, 2020

    I’m having issues with cake, it’s still jiggly. Put in oven longer but it rose more?? I don’t understand what is going on. I followed directions to the tee.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Elaine, it should have just a slight jiggle in the center. I would bake longer if it were super jiggly at the end of baking. If you use a smaller pan, it will take longer since the cake would be taller in the pan.

      Reply

    • Julie
      November 23, 2021

      Hi! Would this work in a pre-made Keebler 10 inch pie crust?

      Reply

  • Manuela Szalma
    November 24, 2020

    Can you please tell me how to adjust the baking time for making two pumpkin cheesecakes at the same time?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 25, 2020

      Hi Manuela, I haven’t tested that but you may need to rotate them halfway through baking.

      Reply

  • Selaylay
    November 24, 2020

    This was delicious but I prefer a gingersnap crust which I used with wonderful results. Great pumpkin cheesecake recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 24, 2020

      I’m happy you enjoeyd that! Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Allison
    November 24, 2020

    I made this once already and loved it! But I think I over baked it just a little bit because I used at 10” springform pan. Do you have a recommended bake time for the cheesecake in a 10” pan?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 24, 2020

      Hi Allison, I haven’t tested this in a 10″ pan to advise, but yes, you will need to adjust your cook time. I would recommend watching it closely for the last ten minutes or so.

      Reply

  • Julia L
    November 24, 2020

    Hi! I really liked this recipe — I am an avid baker but this was my first time making cheesecake, so I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but it came out lovely! I followed the recipe exactly, and while after cooling my cake does have a medium size crack or two, I am sure this won’t affect the taste and I plan to try the caramel sauce and whipped cream recipes for topping options. Next time, I may try making this and baking in a water bath in the over to prevent cracks, but overall I am really excited about this recipe and the final product. I also love that you list the ingredient quantities in the directions — that is super useful. My only question would be to get your thoughts on trying to sub in GF all-purpose flour in the filling mix? Thanks again!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 24, 2020

      Hi Julia, without testing it GF, it’s difficult to guess. I assume it would work, but again, I haven’t tested it. The crack could be due to over-baking. Some ovens run hotter than others. You might try checking on the cheesecake a little earlier in the next go-around.

      Reply

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