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

  • Lizanbe
    November 25, 2024

    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?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 25, 2024

      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.

      Reply

  • Kristine
    November 25, 2024

    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!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 25, 2024

      Hi Kristine! That’s correct. We don’t use a water bath here.

      Reply

  • Kayla
    November 25, 2024

    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

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 25, 2024

      Hi Kayla! I’d be happy to help troubleshoot if you can provide some details as to what went wrong.

      Reply

  • Lily
    November 24, 2024

    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!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 24, 2024

      Hi Lily! I have not but I think it would work since they have a similar consistency.

      Reply

  • Tanya
    November 23, 2024

    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?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 24, 2024

      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.

      Reply

      • Tanya
        November 24, 2024

        Thank you! I love all of your recipes!😊

        Reply

  • lisa
    November 23, 2024

    are you able to make this recipe in 4Inch springform pan

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 23, 2024

      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.

      Reply

  • Renee
    November 23, 2024

    Yum! Made this yesterday! Delish! I topped the Carmel sauce with Crushed pecans

    Reply

  • Amanda Hatfield
    November 18, 2024

    How important is the flour? My daughter is GF and I really don’t want to buy special flour for 2 tbsp. Thoughts?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 18, 2024

      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.

      Reply

  • Chrissy Piatt
    November 17, 2024

    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?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 17, 2024

      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!

      Reply

  • Julia
    November 17, 2024

    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!

    Reply

  • Lem
    November 17, 2024

    Can I bake this by using the water bath baking? If so, what temperature and how long should I bake it for?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 17, 2024

      Hello! Just to keep in mind that if you are using a water bath, it will change the texture of the cheesecake overall.

      Reply

      • Lem
        December 23, 2024

        Thank you so much for even getting back to me! I’m your HUGE fan, and I LOVE all your recipes! Thank you!!🤗🙏🏼

        Reply

  • Serena Goshgarian
    November 13, 2024

    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?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 14, 2024

      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.

      Reply

  • Brendan
    November 9, 2024

    I have a 10” pan, will the recipe work as is? Or should I increase the ingredient amounts? Thanks

    Reply

  • Amanda
    November 6, 2024

    I really wanted to make this recipe. But how on earth do you convert the recipe to a practical measurable amount?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 6, 2024

      Hi Amanda! I’m not sure what you mean. Can you be more specific? I would love to help troubleshoot.

      Reply

  • Pam
    November 4, 2024

    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.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 4, 2024

      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.

      Reply

      • Kim Rivera
        November 26, 2024

        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.

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          November 26, 2024

          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.

          Reply

  • Sue Ivesdal
    November 3, 2024

    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?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 3, 2024

      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.

      Reply

  • Virginia
    November 3, 2024

    Just as recipe says! Made this for a double birthday party dessert. It was the best!

    Reply

  • Leigh Ann
    November 2, 2024

    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

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 2, 2024

      Hi Leigh Ann! If you use pumpkin purée, you’ll need to add in spices and sugar since the pie mix contains this.

      Reply

      • Carol B
        November 9, 2024

        What kind of spices do I add when using pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie mix and how much of it and of sugar?

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          November 9, 2024

          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.

          Reply

  • Barb Blasco
    October 30, 2024

    I will make this cheesecake. Can it be frozen?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 30, 2024

      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.

      Reply

  • Melissa
    October 30, 2024

    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! 💗

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 30, 2024

      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.

      Reply

      • Denise
        November 22, 2024

        Can this cheesecake be made ahead and frozen for a week?

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          November 22, 2024

          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.

          Reply

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