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

  • Denise S.
    October 31, 2022

    Hi Natasha,
    I Love all your wonderful recipes! I’d like to make this pumpkin cheesecake and was wondering if I can use a pre-made graham cracker crust instead of using the springform pan? Or is there too much batter for the pre-made she’ll? This looks delicious! Thanks!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 31, 2022

      Hi Denise! I haven’t tested that myself to advise. I think it could work with some adjustments but you’ll have to experiment with it. The filling would likely be too to fill just one crust.

      Reply

  • Nancy
    October 29, 2022

    I’ve made this so many times and everyone loves it! Do you think I can use this recipe and make mini pumpkin cheesecakes in a muffin tin? Would I have to adjust anything?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 29, 2022

      Hi Nancy! So glad you love this recipe. I have not tested this in mini versions. I think it could work but you’d have to experiment with it and watch it in the oven.

      Reply

  • Natasha
    October 29, 2022

    Hi Natasha. Have been your big fan for many years and love all your recipes. Need your advice. I baked a pumpkin cheesecake last night and it got a big crack, which doesn’t look nice. I have caramel sauce ready but I don’t think it will cover the crack. I already tried this recipe in summer and we all loved it but then it didn’t crack. Don’t remember if I used a steam bath. Anyway, how to hide that crack when serving it tonight? Thank you so much for your advice and for all your amazing recipes and tips.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 29, 2022

      I meant 5 stars not 4; don’t know how it picked only 4 stars and don’t know how to correct it. If I could, I would have given 10 stars for this pumpkin cheesecake, despite even that crack. It’s delicious and yummy. Thanks for your advice in advance.

      Reply

      • NatashasKitchen.com
        October 29, 2022

        That’s so very kind, thank you!

        Reply

      • Christ
        November 23, 2022

        You should really put the water bath in the instructions. It seems like everyone is having issues with it cracking and I would’ve done the water bath had I known. I found out in the comments.

        Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 29, 2022

      Thank you so much, Natasha! I’m glad you love my recipe! The easiest way to cover the crack would probably be to cover it with whipped cream or another topping.

      Reply

      • Lucu
        December 18, 2022

        Hi Natasha
        Been making 10’’ vanilla cheesecake for years! I use 2 round metal cake pans half full of water under cheesecake. The steam stops from cracking!!
        1 out of 6 may still crack!
        FYI
        Making your pumpkin cheesecake
        next week! I am sure it will be delicious!

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          December 19, 2022

          Hi Lucu! I hope you love this recipe! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

          Reply

  • JF
    October 26, 2022

    I made 2 of your pumpkin cheesecakes for Thanksgiving. It disappeared. I used pumpkin purée and 2 tsp. of my pumpkin pie spice. I baked it 45 minutes and left the oven door ajar for an hr. I added Baileys to the whipped topping. I will be using this recipe again😉

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 26, 2022

      Good to know that everyone enjoyed the cheesecakes!

      Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 26, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, JF! I’m so glad this was a hit!

      Reply

  • Chris
    October 24, 2022

    This is definitely a keeper. The recipe was easy to follow and the cheesecake was amazing! Flavorful and moist! Brought it to work and got rave reviews there as well. Next time I make it I may substitute ginger snaps for the graham cracker crust!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 24, 2022

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Chris!

      Reply

  • Simona
    October 18, 2022

    Overall good recipe however WAY too much sugar in it. I cut the sugar in half right off the bat (sugar in pie mix) and no sugar in the crust, graham crackers are sweet as it is. Also your pumpkin spice recipe is missing had to wing it, luckily turned our tasty.

    Reply

  • Debo
    October 12, 2022

    What other pan can be used for this recipe? 8×8? 9×13? Pie pan?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 12, 2022

      Hi! This is a cheesecake, so it’s best to use a springform pan. I have not made this in an alternative size or pan to advise.

      Reply

    • Terry T
      October 17, 2022

      I used 2 9″ pie plates, increased the crust to 2 cups Graham crackers, 8Tbs of butter. the filling is enough as is to fill both pie plates. I cooked for 50 min or until the center of the cake is firm and doesn’t move when lightly jiggled. Delicious recipe!

      Reply

      • NatashasKitchen.com
        October 17, 2022

        Thank you for your feedback, Terry! 🙂

        Reply

  • Maureen
    October 12, 2022

    This recipe is definitely a keeper! Because of food sensitivies I used lactose-free cream cheese and plant based sour cream (and lactose-free whipping cream) with great results! I also substituted a shortbread crust (didn’t have any graham crackers on hand when I wanted to bake). Rave reviews from everyone who had a piece. Thanks for the recipes – I always know I’ll get good and consistent results from yours.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 12, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Maureen! I know our readers will find this helpful!

      Reply

  • Steve
    October 9, 2022

    You need to include metric equivalents or you will discourage the 9/10 of the world who no longer follow the old system. It is painful converting units and this can lead to mistakes by your followers. Please respect.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 9, 2022

      Hi Steve, thanks for the feedback. You can convert the ingredients to grams in our newer recipes by clicking Metric. However. we have not updated this feature yet on all of our old recipers but we’re hoping to do that.

      Reply

  • christina
    October 7, 2022

    I usually make your regular cheesecake recipe and it’s perfect every time, this one also uses a water bath where I see this one does not does it make a big difference?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 7, 2022

      Hi Christina, a water bath helps prevent cracking and browning the cheesecake.

      Reply

      • Nilda Rudd
        October 26, 2022

        Hi Natasha, I made the pumpkin cheesecake this past Monday. I ended up with enough batter to do two desserts. I only had enough space for one of them to be put in a water bath. The water bath makes all the difference. One came out cracked while the other was intact. This was my first time baking a cheesecake. From now on I will do a water bath. I just wanted to give you my opinion about it.

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          October 26, 2022

          Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe and you found the perfect version that you love!

          Reply

  • Cindy
    October 5, 2022

    Loved the recipe, the family really enjoyed the cheesecake! Everything turned out good except the crust had a bit of a burnt taste to it. I followed the directions, set the temp to 350 which was perfect for the cheesecake. Going forward, should I take the crust out sooner or use a lower temp? Can I bake the crust at the same time as the cheesecake? Thanks

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 5, 2022

      Hi Cindy! Thank you, I’m glad you loved it. Did you use an alternative for the butter? I don’t have an issue with the crust burning but every oven is different and could bake unevenly. A few things to help troubleshoot, I highly recommend using an internal oven thermometer to see if your oven overheats. You may need to adjust the temperature or pull it out a few mins early. Also, be sure the oven rack is in the middle of the oven and not too close to the bottom burners. I hope that helps.

      Reply

      • Cindy
        October 6, 2022

        Thanks. I followed the directions as listed. I will pull out the crust a few minutes early next time. 🙂

        Reply

  • Joan Lee
    October 5, 2022

    Can I use pure pumpkin for this recipe instead of pumpkin pie filling.€

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 5, 2022

      Hi Joan, I saw a reader shared this comment “Love this recipe…but I put 3/4 cup sugar instead of the recommended 1 1/2 cups. Also, I use the pure pumpkin from can instead of the pumpkin pie filling, which cuts down on a lot of the sugar.” I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Marie
    October 3, 2022

    Cheesecake was perfect. I did use a 10 inch pan for same time. Can leftovers be frozen?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 3, 2022

      Hi Marie, cheesecakes freeze well; however, I haven’t tested that with this recipe. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe!

      Reply

  • Teresa Bosch
    October 2, 2022

    Do I need to use pumpkin pie filling or can I use just pumpkin how far ahead can I make this

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 4, 2022

      We used canned pumpkin pie filling which already has the spices and sugar added. You can use pumpkin puree if you’d like bit will need to make some adjustments. Also, it can be refrigerated for several days. I recommend not adding any toppings until the day of, however.

      Reply

  • Cynthia
    September 27, 2022

    Hi Natasha, I love your recipes! However, I was wondering why you use pumpkin pie mix instead of 100% pumpkin in this cheesecake? Do you have another recipe which uses the pure pumpkin? Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 27, 2022

      Hi Cynthia! We prefer the canned for this dessert because it is more concentrated and forms better. If using homemade, be sure it is really well drained.

      Reply

      • Alexis
        October 17, 2022

        I find your response confusing. They make canned pumpkin and canned pumpkin pie filling.
        Is there a recipe that you have that uses canned pumpkin, and not a the pie filling?

        Reply

  • Karen
    September 24, 2022

    I’m so excited to make this! Natasha, you are such an inspiration to me and my family. I am always on your website looking at recipes and trying new meals for my family. I honestly cannot think of one thing I have made that they didn’t like. Thank you so much for everything, you’ve made our bellys happy for many years!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 25, 2022

      Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Karen. I’m so glad this was a hit!

      Reply

  • Ruth
    September 23, 2022

    I can’t wait to make this!!! My grandsons favorite is pumpkin pie and cheesecake. His birthday is day after thanksgiving. My question is recipe calls for pumpkin PIE filling. My stores only carry canned pure pumpkin.
    Am I going to need to add evaporated milk eggs and more sugar? 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thanks.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 23, 2022

      Hi Ruth, I saw a reader shared this comment “Love this recipe…but I put 3/4 cup sugar instead of the recommended 1 1/2 cups. Also, I use the pure pumpkin from can instead of the pumpkin pie filling, which cuts down on a lot of the sugar.” I hope that helps!

      Reply

      • Monika
        October 1, 2022

        Hi Natasha, I also used 3/4 cup sugar and pure pumpkin puree and, since I forgot to buy sour cream, I used our homemade creme fraiche which gave the cheescake a less dense, more “whipped” texture. It was delicious! But, I will try your exact recipe next time as my (adult) sons like things on the sweeter side. Thank you for a great recipe!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          October 1, 2022

          You’re welcome, Monika!

          Reply

  • Rose N Jackson
    September 15, 2022

    This is the BEST pumpkin cheesecake recipe I’ve tried so far. Natasha, thank you so much for sharing this recipe with the world. Yours is a keeper!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 15, 2022

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Rose! Thank you for your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Paula
    September 10, 2022

    My cheese cake was perfect. The the best recipe I’ve used to make a cheese cake. This website has been my go to for many recipes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 10, 2022

      I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Paula! Thank you for your great review!

      Reply

  • TA
    September 6, 2022

    Can I make this in a 10inch pan? Would I have to double the recipe or just 1.5 it?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 7, 2022

      Hi TA, I haven’t tested that in a 10-inch pan, but I would watch it closely since it will be a thinner cake and may bake quicker. Doubling it would be too much and it will overflow.

      Reply

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