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

  • Troy
    November 24, 2021

    Just tried this recipe and mine cracked like the Grand Canyon.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 24, 2021

      Hi Troy, Bummer, although thankfully it won’t affect the flavor and can be hidden with whipped cream. A couple of things could have caused that – make sure to bake on conventional mode and not convection. Also, make sure to mix the mixture at the recommended speed. Whipping on too of speed can incorporate too much air and cause cracks.

      Reply

    • AJ
      November 24, 2021

      Happened to me as well. I found this on how to fix the crack but as Natasha mentioned you can cover it with whipped cream

      Reply

    • Bri
      November 25, 2021

      Mine didn’t Crack. I put my spring pan on a deep cookie sheet and add water half way. It works everytime!

      Reply

      • Natasha
        November 25, 2021

        Thank you for sharing! Did you keep the baking times and temps the same? Also, was the water hot when you added it to the pan?

        Reply

  • Rae
    November 24, 2021

    It totally cracked on the top. How do you prevent that? I haven’t cut in to it yet.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 24, 2021

      Hi Rae, I haven’t had that experience, but a couple of things could have caused that – make sure to bake on conventional mode and not convection. Also, make sure to mix the mixture at the recommended speed. Whipping on too of speed can incorporate too much air and cause cracks.

      Reply

      • Rae
        November 24, 2021

        Thank you so much for replying! You are probably right. I probably mixed it too long! I bet it is gonna still be good on Thanksgiving😊

        Reply

    • Ivanka
      November 24, 2021

      This happened to me too, and then I realized – always bake cheesecake In A water bath, even if the recipe doesn’t call for it.

      Reply

  • liz
    November 24, 2021

    Hi! The recipe calls for pumpkin pie mix. Is that different than a can of Libby’s pumkpkin?

    Reply

  • Becky
    November 24, 2021

    Hi Natasha! I’m looking forward to making your pumpkin cheesecake today for Thanksgiving tomorrow! Like some other commenters, I got regular pureed pumpkin rather than the pumpkin pie mix. I didn’t see if you mentioned in previous comments, do you think I need to add any additional pumpkin pie spice or sugar or is it fine to substitute as is? Thanks!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 24, 2021

      Hi Becky, you can add more spice if you want to but it is not necessary and the pumpkin cheesecake will still work. I have tested with both and I did not add more sugar when using pumpkin puree, just make sure it’s a good puree like Libby’s which is very concentrated and my favorite for baking.

      Reply

  • Michaela Rosenblatt
    November 23, 2021

    I’ve made this pumpkin cheesecake every year for 4 years now! It’s ALWAYS a hit at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ve tried other people’s recipes along with restaurants, and this is by far the best I’ve ever had.

    I left a review in 2017 but I had to come back for the recipe and show some more love.

    Thank you again, Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 23, 2021

      You definitely have a holiday favorite, Michaela! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

    • Kelli Snider
      November 24, 2021

      And thanks to Michaela, this is the second year I am making it!

      Reply

  • Sarah Hunt
    November 23, 2021

    Have this in the oven now and I hope it turns out good! I’m Making it for thanksgiving! The center was still a little jiggly but I’m going with the directions and hopefully it will be done! Can’t wait to try!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 23, 2021

      Once it sets, it will be so good! I hope you love this recipe, Sarah!

      Reply

  • Val
    November 23, 2021

    Hi Natasha! Just wondering about the calorie info – does that include the caramel sauce? Do you know what the count will be with out it? I just know someone is going to ask me if I make this. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 23, 2021

      Hi Val, the pumpkin cheesecake nutrition label includes the 1 cup of heavy whipping cream for the topping but does not include any of the other optional toppings. It does not include the caramel sauce.

      Reply

  • Diane Wendroff
    November 22, 2021

    How many days ahead can you make the pumpkin cheesecake?

    Thank you

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 22, 2021

      Hi Diane, It can definitely be refrigerated for several days. I recommend not adding any toppings until the day of, however.

      Reply

    • Michelle
      November 24, 2021

      Hello! Is it possible to do this recipe as mini pumkin cheesecakes? If so does it change the length of time and heat it needs to be baked at? Suggestions?

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        November 24, 2021

        Hi Michelle, I haven’t tested this as minis, but we do have regular mini cheesecakes posted, which might be a good reference if you experiment.

        Reply

  • Laurie
    November 20, 2021

    I have made this cheesecake time and again with rave reviews from friends. I know the recipe calls for a 9 inch springform pan but can it also be made in a 7 inch pan, and if so, do I need to alter the quantity of ingredients and/or the baking time? This will be the star of our Thanksgiving feast!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 20, 2021

      Hi Laurie, without testing that in a 7-inch pan, it is difficult to advise on it. I imagine you will need to adjust the recipe to fit one pan.

      Reply

  • Pat
    November 19, 2021

    If I half the filling recipe, should I half the baking time? I’m thinking of making this recipe as a base and adding a pumpkin mousse on top.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 20, 2021

      Hi Pat, I haven’t tried that to advise on the bake time change. It shouldn’t change by much, though. If you happen to experiment, I’d love to know how you like it!

      Reply

  • Teairra Gibson
    November 19, 2021

    I love this recipe, it turned out great!!!
    I was wondering if I can use this recipe to make mini cheesecakes instead of one big one?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 19, 2021

      Hi Teairra, I haven’t tested this as minis, but we do have regular mini cheesecakes posted which might be a good reference if you experiment.

      Reply

  • sue
    November 18, 2021

    Can I use pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie mix when making the cheese cake?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 18, 2021

      Hi Sue, you can use plain pumpkin puree to substitute and it will still work. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

      Reply

      • Leigh
        November 23, 2021

        I ended up getting a large T shaped crack in the top while happened during the 45 mins when the oven was off. Do you know what can cause this? I still have to make another one for Thanksgiving and want to avoid the crack of I can. Thanks!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          November 23, 2021

          Hi Leigh, I haven’t had that experience, but a couple of things could have caused that – make sure to bake on conventional mode and not convection. Also, make sure to mix the mixture at the recommended speed. Whipping on too of speed can incorporate too much air and cause cracks.

          Reply

  • Teairra Gibson
    November 18, 2021

    I absolutely love this recipe turned out perfectly!!!
    Was wondering if I can use this recipe to make mini cheesecakes?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 18, 2021

      I’m so glad you loved it! I think that will be okay but I honestly haven’t tried that yet to advise on the measurements and timing. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Josie Lierman
    November 16, 2021

    I don’t have a paddle attachment for my mixer does that matter? How many days in advance of Thanksgiving can I make this?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 16, 2021

      Hi Josie, the reason for the paddle attachment is so that it doesn’t incorporate too many air bubbles into the batter, which can cause the cheesecake to crack. Be careful not to beat on too high of a speed. I hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Joanne Olsen
    November 16, 2021

    Natasha this looks yummy and I am looking forward to making it for Thanksgiving . I noticed that you are using a dark coated pan for the cheesecake. I usually dial back 25 degrees when using a coated pan. Should I bake at 325 degrees if using a coated pan?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 16, 2021

      Hi Joanne, it worked perfectly in that pan for my cheesecake! I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Nancy
    November 16, 2021

    Natasha, this looks amazing and I am wanting to add this as one of my deserts that I am bringing to our Thanksgiving get together this year. We are traveling about an hour and a half. do you think this would be alright and how would you recommend doing so. Thanks!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 17, 2021

      HI Nancy, that should be fine if it’s going straight from the fridge and kept out of the sun. If you can keep it in a cooler that’s even better. Make sure to refrigerate right away when you get to your destination and definitely add freshly whipped cream just before serving. Pre-whipped cream won’t travel well.

      Reply

    • Sarah
      November 17, 2021

      Make sure to put it in the cooler, or at the very least securely in your trunk where the heat of your car can’t get to it! Just make sure it’s in a safe pie tote or something similar so it doesn’t bounce around.

      Reply

  • Jeannie Biamby
    November 14, 2021

    I made this today baked for 1 hour then on oven cracked open for 45 minutes but then when time to slice its soft in center… what did I do wrong

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 15, 2021

      Hi Jeannie, was your oven fully preheated? Some ovens don’t preheat properly (like my own) and I highly recommend getting an in-oven thermometer to hang in the center of your oven to track accuracy of the oven.

      Reply

    • Eileen
      November 21, 2021

      I made this recipe this afternoon. Will admit I sampled the filling before and it was delicious. But cheesecake came out with huge t-shaped trench. Will try again with water bath. Also, I don’t have paddle attachment so maybe too much air from mixer. Better just to hand mix after adding pumpkin mixture?

      Reply

  • Trevor Griffin
    November 14, 2021

    Hi, I bought McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice, but I also made pumpkin pie spice with your recipe. The two spice blends smell distinctly different. Which one will make my pumpkin cheesecake taste better? Which one do you prefer?

    Reply

  • DancingD
    November 9, 2021

    For the crust, I used a combo of honey graham crackers and ginger snaps. That was delicious. The whole thing was tastyyyyyy!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 9, 2021

      Thanks for sharing that with us, great to hear that you loved this cheesecake!

      Reply

  • Maria
    November 3, 2021

    Greetings from UK! First of all I’d like to say that I love your blog and all of your recipes. They always come out fantastic and they are easy to follow. I just baked the cheesecake and used low fat cream cheese, and pumpkin puree(no pumpkin pie mix in UK) We haven’t it tasted yet, but it’s cooled in oven for 45 mins and had no cracks! Smells delish.. fingers crossed it’s turned out great!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 3, 2021

      I hope you love this recipe and all the other recipes that you will try, Maria. Thank you for your good comments and feedback!

      Reply

    • Sandra Lee Manasco
      November 8, 2021

      If you can get pumpkin pie spice that will work. I think real pumpkin rather than the mix is better anyway. UK bakers the best!😁

      Reply

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