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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.
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
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Hi Natasha! I want to make this but don’t have a springform pan 🙁 can I use a pie dish similar to the one you use for your best apple pie?
Hi Lizanbe, for a cheesecake a springform is best to be able to remove the sides, you want to make sure your springform pan has 3″ tall walls. If you use a shorter pan, it will overflow the pan. The Apple pie pan would be too low for this recipe.
Hi there- this is the first cheesecake I have made without a “water bath” I just want to be sure it’s not necessary? Thanks!
Hi Kristine! That’s correct. We don’t use a water bath here.
I love the way this cheesecake turned out but wasn’t a very big fan of the crust. Hopefully will turn out better for thanksgiving
Hi Kayla! I’d be happy to help troubleshoot if you can provide some details as to what went wrong.
Have you ever tried this with gingersnap cookies for the crust instead of graham crackers? If so, please let me know how it turned out. I’ve been wanting to try it. Thanks!
Hi Lily! I have not but I think it would work since they have a similar consistency.
How many days in advance can I make this cheesecake? I’m hoping to make it tomorrow for Thanksgiving. Should it still be good on Thursday or would you suggest I freeze it tomorrow after baking it?
Hi Tanya! You can refrigerate this for 3-4days. Most cheesecakes can be frozen as well for storing longer (1-2months). If you freeze, let it thaw in the refrigerator.
Thank you! I love all of your recipes!😊
are you able to make this recipe in 4Inch springform pan
Hi Lisa! I haven’t made it that small. I’m sure it would work, but you’ll have to adjust the quantities and watch it in the oven since it will bake faster.
Yum! Made this yesterday! Delish! I topped the Carmel sauce with Crushed pecans
How important is the flour? My daughter is GF and I really don’t want to buy special flour for 2 tbsp. Thoughts?
Hi Amanda, I haven’t tried this particular cheesecake without flour but I think it could work – you may need to bake slightly longer though for the cheesecake to set properly. One of our readers reported good results baking with 2 Tbsp of cornstarch instead to make it gluten free. Please let me know how it goes. Also, one of our readers reported great results with an almond flour crust.
My trial run is in the oven as we speak and it looks and smells phenomenal! However I have 2 little questions. If I go ahead and put the whipped cream on it when it’s ready will it keep its form or should I only add when ready to serve? Also, what’s sprinkled on top of the whipped cream in the picture?
You can sprinkle cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the whipped cream to add a touch of spice and a festive look. Hope you love it!
Great recipe!! Instead of pumpkin pie mix, I used a 15oz can of regular pumpkin puree, added 2 Tbsp white sugar on top of the brown sugar and upped the pumpkin pie spice to 1 Tbsp. I’m very happy with how it turned out!
Can I bake this by using the water bath baking? If so, what temperature and how long should I bake it for?
Hello! Just to keep in mind that if you are using a water bath, it will change the texture of the cheesecake overall.
Thank you so much for even getting back to me! I’m your HUGE fan, and I LOVE all your recipes! Thank you!!🤗🙏🏼
Hi! Been using this recipe for years and the fam loves it! However I did have a couple questions. How do you get it to not crack when baking and is there a way to add a toffee topping to it? If so, when would you add it?
To avoid cracks, here ae some tips: make sure that your ingredients are in room temperature, make sure not to overmix the batter. After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the oven door slightly open. Serve it after chilling it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. I haven’t tested adding toffee topping yet to advise.
I have a 10” pan, will the recipe work as is? Or should I increase the ingredient amounts? Thanks
Hi Brendan, I haven’t tried this recipe in that size pan, it should work, but you will need to watch it closely since it will be a shorter cheesecake and may cook faster, but I recommend using THIS Adapt Baking Recipes to Fit Different Pan Sizes Guide.
I really wanted to make this recipe. But how on earth do you convert the recipe to a practical measurable amount?
Hi Amanda! I’m not sure what you mean. Can you be more specific? I would love to help troubleshoot.
when making this recipe for pumpkin cheesecake do you use the pumpkin or the pie making pumpkin mix. The recipe keeps saying pumpkin mix rather than pure pumpkin in the can. The pie mix has added spices.
Hi Pam! We use canned pumpkin pie mix with spices and sugar added, (not pumpkin purée).
If you use pumpkin purée, you will need to add sugar and spices to it.
Hello I do not have allspice and have the same issue. How can I make my own with out allspice? I do have cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger.
Hi Kim! You can look up a recipe for pumpkin pie spice online to get quantities of each spice to add, or just add it by taste per your preferences. You can leave the allspice out.
I’ve made this recipe twice and everyone loved it. My problem is that it cracked. What can I do to prevent this from happening?
I’m glad everyone enjoyed it! To avoid cracks, here ae some tips: make sure that your ingredients are in room temperature, make sure not to overmix the batter. After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the oven door slightly open. Serve it after chilling it in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Just as recipe says! Made this for a double birthday party dessert. It was the best!
Pumpkin pie filing? Not pumpkin puree? Wondering if I can just use my canned pumpkin and not run to the store to find the pie filing? But I really desperately want to make and eat pumpkin cheesecake this weekend
Hi Leigh Ann! If you use pumpkin purée, you’ll need to add in spices and sugar since the pie mix contains this.
What kind of spices do I add when using pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie mix and how much of it and of sugar?
Hi Carol! I’ve never tested it myself to provide those exact measurements.
You may try looking up a recipe online for to see how much they use or just add to taste. It would be spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and sometimes all spoce. Or you can use pumpkin pie spice mix.
I will make this cheesecake. Can it be frozen?
Hi Barb! 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.
Hi!
I have made this recipe several times & it is definitely a favorite. It was one of several desserts I made for my nieces wedding & it was devoured before anything else! Even my cousin, who doesn’t really like me 🤷🏻♀️😂, went back for seconds & complimented me on it! However, I need help! I just can’t get it to fully bake. The first time I made it, I admittedly did not read the entire recipe regarding baking instructions all the way through (rookie move 🤦🏻♀️). Despite it being undercooked & a little on the puddingey side I got rave reviews. The second time I made it, I followed the recipe to a T & it was super undercooked after HOURS baking,I ended up having to toss it 🥺. The 3rd time I attempted it I followed a basic water bath instruction for baking followed by allowing it it sit in the oven with the door open for 45 mins. That time it appeared to be baked properly, but you guessed it! Once again under baked. The only time I got it to even remotely baked all the way through was when I made a gf version for my nieces wedding last year on the literal opposite side of the country from me so there were a lot of variables that I can’t account for that might have contributed to the cheesecake baking differently. Please help! I want to make it for my annual Friendsgiving in 2 weeks 😬🤞🏻 and any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thank you! 💗
Hi Melissa. I’m so sorry you’re having so many issues with the cheesecake. First and foremost I think it’s important that if you do not already have one, invest in an internal oven thermometer (Amazon affiliate link) to ensure your oven’s temperature accuracy.
The cheesecake being successfully baked halfway across the country could definitely be due to climate or elevation.
High altitudes, can affect baking times. Here are a few things you can try assuming you are using regular baking mode on a conventional oven and the oven’s temperature is not the issue.
-Try increasing the oven temperature by about 15-25°F, you’ll need to check on it more frequently but be careful not to open the door too often to cause changes in the temperature. If at all possible, it’s best to avoid opening the oven. You can also extend the baking time to see if that helps. Cheesecakes generally require more time at high altitudes. When checking for doneness, the cheesecake should have a slight jiggle in the center but appear set around the edges.
Also, just to keep in mind that if you are using a water bath, it will change the texture of the cheesecake overall.
I hope that helps at least get you started.
Don’t forget to fully preheat your oven before you place the cheesecake in to bake. Use the internal oven thermometer to know when it’s fully preheated.
Can this cheesecake be made ahead and frozen for a week?
Hi Denise! 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.