This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
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

Ingredients
The Crust:
The Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 15 oz can pumpkin pie mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp real vanilla extract
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
.
Wondering if I can substitute canned pumpkin puree for pumpkin pie mix? Don’t want all that added sugar and chemicals. Please advise!
Hi Mimi, If you’re using canned pumpkin purée, you’ll have to make some more adjustments, Pumpkin pie mix has spices and sugar added to it.
What adjustments are needed if I decide to use pumpkin purée instead of the pie mix?
Hi Sonia, If you’re using canned pumpkin purée, you’ll have to make some more adjustments, Pumpkin pie mix has spices and sugar added to it.
When you have a recipe that calls for pumpkin pie filling and you only have pumpkin puree, you can easily use in place of the canned pie filling. Open the can and reserve 2/3 cup of the pumpkin puree for another recipe. Then mix in 2/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ginger, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. cloves and 1/2 tsp. salt into the remaining pumpkin puree. Substitute this mixture in place of pumpkin pie filling.
Could this be frozen, used as a make ahead dessert? This would be so goodbfronThanjsgiving!
Hi Annette! Yes, cheesecake freezes well. You’ll want to wrap it really well. Double wrap in plastic wrap, then in foil, to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator.
This is my go to recipe for pumpkin cheesecake, its very good! Though you should mention the fillings are enough to fill two pies otherwise if you only planned for one youre left with alot of filling.
Other than that, great recipe!
Hi Courtney! I’m glad you loved the recipe. Did you use the correct size springform pan? It should only make one.
Hi Courtney, totally agree with you. I had so much left over, ended up using it all and had to bake longer. Probably over baked ugh and regretting it now, we’ll see today how it tastes. And yes I used a 9” spring pan. Do you still follow the recipe or cut in 1/2?
This pumpkin cheesecake was a big hit at Friendsgiving this year! I was lucky to leave with one slice for leftovers. I did have to bake it longer than the recipe suggested so I put the springform pan on a cookie sheet and added a little water to the cookie sheet.
Hi Natasha! I’m glad it was a hit. Did you use the recommended springform pan size? Be sure to fully preheat the oven before baking. Every oven bakes differently so you may need to make adjustments tailored to your oven, but it shouldn’t take much longer to bake. We did not use a water bath for this recipe.
Hi! What is the substitute for pumpkin pie mix? I only have Libby’s 100% pure pumpkin…
Thanks!!
Hi Michelle. Without having tested it myself, I don’t have exact instructions for that. Pumpkin pie mix contains spices and sugar, whereas pumpkin purée does not and will need to be added to it. You could try finding a recipe online for making your own pumpkin pie mix using pumpkin purée. If not, then I would add sugar and pumpkin pie spice to taste.
When you have a recipe that calls for pumpkin pie filling and you only have pumpkin puree, you can easily use in place of the canned pie filling. Open the can and reserve 2/3 cup of the pumpkin puree for another recipe. Then mix in 2/3 cup sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ginger, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. cloves and 1/2 tsp. salt into the remaining pumpkin puree. Substitute this mixture in place of pumpkin pie filling.
I want to make this in little individual cups , do you think it would taste good if I baked it but them broke it up into a crumble and put the crumbs into a little cup and stack that on top ?
Hi Angie! I haven’t tested that to advise. It might affect the texture but feel free to try it.
Natasha, I accidentally used pumpkin purée instead of yer pie mix. Do I need to toss this cheesecake and start over?
Hi Renata, I can’t say that the flavor will be great, but I hope you find a way to salvage it. If you’re using canned pumpkin purée, you’ll have to make some more adjustments, Pumpkin pie mix has spices and sugar added to it.
I just did the same thing🤦🏼♀️
Did yours taste okay? I figure with all the caramel and whip cream on top it should be sweet enough. Let me know if you can!
I would love to try this recipe in a mini version using cupcake pans. Do you think it will work? I would adjust baking time.
Hi Angela, 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.
Mine cracked but If it tastes good I don’t care. Will it taste the same?
Hi Kristen! Yes, it should affect the flavor.
I’m thinking of kicking this up a notch and using Biscoff cookie crumbs instead of graham crackers. Would you recommend I alter the sugar or cinnamon? The Biscoff are plenty sweet and I’m not sure if the cinnamon will throw off the taste of the cookie crumb. One other question, for the life of me, I can’t find pumpkin pie mix, only canned pumpkin (most with a pic of pumpkin pie on the can). Must you use the pie mix or since we’re adding the pumpkin pie spice, does canned pumpkin puree do the trick? Just want to be sure I pull this off correctly. Thanks in advance for the feedback!
Hi Carson! I haven’t personally tested it with biscoff to advise. Some of my readers have reported good results using biscoff. Pumpkin pie mix has spices but also sugar added. If you’re using canned pumpkin purée, you’ll have to make some more adjustments.
Ok so what are the adjustments then exactly? Pumpkin pie mix is incredibly difficult to find! Only thing I’ve been able to find is the purée so any advice on the alterations? Like how much sugar? What spices?
Hi Dana! I have not tested it to provide the exact measurements. You can sweeten it to taste with sugar and add pumpkin pie spices which is made of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove and all spice.
I just made this hoping to bring it to thanksgiving tomorrow. I did use a a 9” spring form pan with 3 inch sides and I had way too much filling. Seems like something must be incorrect in this recipe because I followed the recipe exactly and still had way too much filling. Maybe I should double the crust? Also messed up and used pumpkin purée instead of the pumpkin pie mix! Ah! Bummed! Not bringing this tomorrow 😣
HI Joy, I’m sorry to hear that. I haven’t had any overflow issues. Did you make sure to use a regular 15 oz can rather than the large 30 oz and only use 3 blocks of cream cheese? These measurements should not overflow a 3″ tall by 9″ diameter springform pan. As in the photo above, it fills the pan about 2/3 to 3/4 full but does not overflow.
I found Pumpkin Pie mix next to the pumpkin at Walmart. Probably too late now since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, but for future info! 😉
My daughter is gluten free. Can I just leave out the crust ? I saw the substitution for the flour
I haven’t tested that version to advise, Susan.
Hi Susan, My daughter is gluten free as well. You can purchase gluten free graham crackers as well as GF graham cracker crumbs to make this with.
I have made pumpkin cheesecake with almond flour crust and it is delicious! Maybe try that for your daughter. My gluten free friends loved it
Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Shyann!
Hi Natasha. I have made your new York style cheesecake, baked in the water bath. I tried this pumpkin recipe, following the directions and it cracked… what happened? Can you bake this pumpkin cheesecake in the water bath too?
Hi Beth! There’s no need for a water bath with this cheesecake – it also changes the texture a little bit to bake in a water bath. Following the instructions will help prevent a crack – the slow cool down is very important for the cake to settle down without cracking. Did you follow this step?
I opened the oven to check the “jiggle.” Then cooked 5 more minutes. Then turned oven off and propped the door slightly open for 45 minutes. It was cracked when I took it out to cool on the counter.
I’m going to give it another try next week. I want to get it perfect for Thanksgiving!
Hi Natasha, I had a question regarding the pumpkin pie mix. I have canned pumpkin puree but not pumpkin pie filling. Should I purchase the pie filling or is there a way to use the pumpkin puree? Thank you!
Hi Brianne! Pumpkin pie mix has spices and sugar added to it. If you use purée you will likely have to make modifications.
Hello Natasha. I have tried several of your recipes and they all have turned out Great.
However making the Pumpkin Spice Cheese Cake, would you say the water bath could somewhat be optional ? depending on the bakers preference ?
Hi! Yes- it can be preferential but there is no need for a water bath with this cheesecake. It also changes the texture a little bit to bake in a water bath.
What would the bake times be if I made mini cheesecakes in a muffin tin?
Hi Anita, 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.
This sounds delicious, thanks for the recipe! I am confused from reading the comments and feedback. To prevent crack, should we bake in a water bath? or should we follow your instructions without water bath and prop the door open for 45 mins? When should we remove the springform pan to avoid crack? Thank you!
Hi Katey, there’s no need for a water bath with this cheesecake – it also changes the texture a little bit to bake in a water bath. Following the instructions will help prevent a crack – the slow cool down is very important for the cake to settle down without cracking.
Made this yesterday and tried it today with the carmel and homemade whipped cream on top. So. good! Perfect for the fall season! Thanks for giving us so many do-able, family friendly, and delicious recipes! May God bless you and congrats on the successful book tour! 😊
Thanks a lot! That’s a perfect combo, we’re glad that you enjoyed it!
Can you use canned pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie mix?
Thanks.
Hi Dale! Pumpkin pie mix already has spices and sugar added to it whereas pumpkin puree does not. That is why we recommend using it. If you use just purée you’ll need to make some modifications.
I keep hearing we need to make modifications if we use pumpkin puree, but can you please clarify what the modifications are? If we need to add more spice and sugar, how much more?
Hi Lauren! I’m sorry, but without having tested it myself, I am not able to advise on these exact quantities. This recipe was written to use pumpkin pie mix, not purée. Readers have asked if they can use puree and my recommendation has been that you’d need to add sugar and spices to it since it will not contain these like the pumpkin pie mix. If anyone has tried this, please share with us.
If I am able to test this in the future, I will update the recipe.
Ok, makes sense. I’ll be putting it in the oven in a bit sans extra seasoning so we’ll see tomorrow how it turns out! I tend to prefer less sugar so may be this will even be better! Thanks much for your reply and help!
You’re very welcome! Yes- please update us on how it turns out. Happy Thanksgiving!
I made this and served it with the caramel sauce and whipped cream. The pumpkin hater and the cheesecake disliker both loved it. I had to search for a recipe to make the pumpkin pie mix from my pumpkin puree. Maybe you could include that as a link.
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Jacqueline.
you mention that the cream cheese brown sugar mix would make a good frosting and I agree tastes amazing. I’m just wondering if I would need to add anything else in order to actually use it as a frosting for cupcakes?
Hi Amy! I haven’t used it to pipe onto cupcakes. It’s not as stable as buttercream and can be runny and sticky, making it hard to pipe with. I think it would work fine to “spread” onto cupcakes. You can reference my cream cheese frosting recipe and make adjustments to use brown sugar in this recipe. This one has a good consistency for piping.
Fantastic!!!! The caramel sauce is a wonderful add-on and super easy!
I’m so glad you loved it!