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

  • Marimar
    November 22, 2017

    The one I use 9″x 2.5 a little bigger than what I see in the photo

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 22, 2017

      Hi Marimar, the one I use is a 9×3 which has a 12 cup capacity while a 9×2.5 only has a 10 cup capacity.

      Reply

      • Marimar
        November 24, 2017

        Thanks for your answer. The pumpkin
        cake was delicious. I loose quarter of the filling , but now I know for next time

        Reply

  • Marimar
    November 22, 2017

    Hello Natasha in the part of the ingredients you put pumpkin pie mix, but in the method you put pumpkin pure . I’m a fan of your recipes, but in this recipe I use a non stick 9 inch spring form, and the filling was double the 9 “spring form . is your spring form is bigger than 9 ”

    t was perfect, maybe your bread is bigger of 9 ?? ‘

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 22, 2017

      Thank you for pointing that out! I clarified it to read pumpkin pie mix in the instructions. Hi Marimar, I use a standard size 9″ springform pan with 3″ tall walls. Are you possibly using a cake pan or a short springform pan instead?

      Reply

      • Jayme Stirling
        October 7, 2018

        Can you use pure pumpkin purée? I don’t have the pie mix.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          October 7, 2018

          Hi Jayme, I have tried this with regular pumpkin puree from a can and it still worked well. The pumpkin pie mix has some additional seasonings in it.

          Reply

  • Andrea
    November 22, 2017

    This is so yummy. I made it a couple of years ago, and have been asked to make it again. To me, there is too much of an alcohol taste to the whipped cream with the added rum extract. Is there any way to take more of the alcohol taste out?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 22, 2017

      Hi Andrea, you can reduce the amount or just let the cream sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. If the cream is left refrigerated overnight, you will hardly taste the alcohol the following day. Also, for a quick fix, you can whip and fold in some fresh cream to mute the flavor.

      Reply

      • Andrea
        November 22, 2017

        Thank u for replying so quickly! I will try that. Also, do u think it would matter if I made one in an 8 inch or 10 inch springform pan instead of a 9 inch?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          November 22, 2017

          Hi Andrea, I’m not sure if an 8″ would be too small and if you try the 10″ you may have to adjust the baking time since it will bake faster being a shorter cake.

          Reply

  • Ashley
    November 22, 2017

    Hi Natasha!

    My cheesecake split in the middle. I followed the instructions word for word. Any idea on why this happened so I can make adjustments? Regardless, it still looks great and I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 22, 2017

      Hi Ashley, I’m always happy to help troubleshoot. Be careful not to beat on too high of speed and do not use the whisk attachment if a paddle is called for in the recipe. This is so that it doesn’t incorporate too much air bubbles into the batter which can cause the cheesecake to crack. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Kimberly
    November 21, 2017

    Could I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Would I need to add more pumpkin pie spice?

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 21, 2017

      Hi Kimberly, I recommend the canned one for the most consistent results. Sometimes a homemade one that is too wet might cause cracking. I think you could make it work if it was very well drained.

      Reply

  • Nicole
    November 20, 2017

    Can you use regular pumpkin? What is the difference between pumkin pie mix and pumpkin ?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 20, 2017

      Hi Nicole, I have tried this with regular pumpkin puree from a can and it still worked well. The pumpkin pie mix has some additional seasonings in it.

      Reply

  • Les
    November 15, 2017

    I noticed the recipe said 15 ounce pumpkin pie mix, however I believe this can is always about 30 ounces. Should I measure out 15 ounces (it is suppose to be pumpkin pie mix, not just pumpkin purée correct?). Thank you!

    Reply

    • Les
      November 15, 2017

      Oh, I see you answered this question already. Thanks! Got it!

      Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 15, 2017

      Hi Les, that is correct, you need half of the 30 oz can.

      Reply

  • dan harris
    November 13, 2017

    as a website owner and blogger myself, i have to tell you how much i LOVE your site! gonna make my first cheesecake today – pumpkin, and i couldn’t do it without you. thanks natasha!

    dan harris

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 13, 2017

      Thanks Dan! I’m happy to hear how much you are enjoying my site! Thanks so much for following!

      Reply

  • Liliana
    November 11, 2017

    Hi Natasha,

    Is it a 15oz can of pumpkin pie mix or 30oz can? I just want to make sure 15oz is correct because I’ve only seen 30oz cans in stores…and the picture you posted with the can looks pretty big too.

    Thank you for clarifying!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 11, 2017

      Hi Liliana, that is correct, you only need to use 15 oz of the mix. I used half of the can shown 🙂

      Reply

      • Rebecca Kluchnyk
        November 23, 2017

        ooooops… I used the entire can, I didn’t even think to check how much was in it. Just realized my mistake after reading this. Cheesecake just came out of the oven, but no telling what will happen when it’s cooled, I guess!

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          November 23, 2017

          I haven’t tested it with that much. I hope it still turns out great for you!

          Reply

  • Marimar
    November 9, 2017

    Hi Natasha,
    How I know when you add new recipes

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 9, 2017

      Hi Marimar, we send out weekly newsletter updates with new recipes. You can subscribe here 🙂

      Reply

  • Dayle
    November 6, 2017

    I don’t have a paddle only the standard mixer. Is this ok ?I would love to make this.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 7, 2017

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

      Reply

      • Dayle
        November 7, 2017

        Thank you very much for your quick response I can’t wait to try this cheesecake

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          November 7, 2017

          My pleasure Dayle! I hope you love it!

          Reply

  • Anna
    November 6, 2017

    Could you make this with 15oz pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie mix? And maybe just add a bit more pumpkin pie spice?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 7, 2017

      HI Anna, this recipe does work with plain pumpkin puree as a substitute even without the extra spice – although you could add a little more if you wanted a little extra flavor.

      Reply

      • Anna
        November 7, 2017

        Thank you!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          November 7, 2017

          You’re welcome Anna!

          Reply

  • Chris
    October 23, 2017

    This sounds wonderful but I’m curious because there’s a huge difference between pumpkin pie mix and pumpkin puree. The pumpkin pie mix is a liquid and has added ingredients whereas the puree is more solid and just pumpkin. Which did you use and how would you adjust for using the other?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 23, 2017

      Hi Chris, it is pumpkin pie mix. I have tested it with both and they both work since there is enough spice added. Sorry for the confusion! I updated the recipe to clarify 🙂

      Reply

    • Sheryl
      November 14, 2017

      I made this last year with gluten free graham crackers and pureed pumpkin and it was very very good. I honestly don’t remember if I used flour but if I did it would have been bob’s red mill 1 to 1 gf flour – I use it in everything I bake.

      Reply

  • Nancy
    October 16, 2017

    Omg! your recipe for this pumpkin cheesecake is to die for. I actually did it as an activity with my little girls and the recipe was super easy to follow. My girls loved it and we enjoyed eating it after very much!
    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 16, 2017

      You’re welcome Nancy! I’m glad to hear your family enjoys the recipe! Thank YOU for sharing your fantastic review!

      Reply

  • Charity
    October 11, 2017

    I’m gluten free so I was going to skip the crust and just make the cheese cake. Can I skip the flour in the cheese cake or substitute it with a tapioca flour, corn starch etc?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 11, 2017

      Hi Charity, without testing that myself, I can’t really recommend it. Maybe someone else has tried making it gluten free? Thanks in advance!! 🙂

      Reply

    • jonathan nevin
      October 25, 2017

      I NEVER PUT FLOUR IN MY CHEESCAKE …I LIKE IT BETTER

      Reply

  • Patricia Hand
    September 25, 2017

    I can never find what size spongiform pan. Please specify. I have three different sizes. Thanx.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 25, 2017

      Hi Partricia, It is a 9″ springform pan. I have it written in red in step 2 with a link to the springform pan we have :). I hope you love the cake!

      Reply

      • Patricia Hand
        September 25, 2017

        Thanx so much. I must have missed that. LOL! It’s cooling down in the oven right now… can’t hardly wait til later tonight. I used crushed pecans as the crust. Will top with homemade whipped cream. Edwards used to make a pie of this combination of flavors but it’s been years. That’s why I’m so excited to try. Thanx for sharing.

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          September 25, 2017

          You’re so welcome! 🙂 I hope you love the recipe! I imagine your kitchen smells amazing right now! 😉

          Reply

  • Kateryna Padalytsya
    September 5, 2017

    Amazing! Made it last year and will make it again this year for thanksgiving 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 5, 2017

      I’m glad you love it as much as I do Kateryna! Thanks for sharing your excellent review!

      Reply

  • Deb
    July 1, 2017

    Serving my pumpkin cheesecake tomorrow. So far, so good! BUT, how do I make caramel sauce.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 2, 2017

      Hi Deb, that recipe doesn’t live on my site but here is the recipe I used. There is a link above but it’s easy to miss :).

      Reply

      • Deborah Sabol
        July 3, 2017

        The pumpkin cheesecake was a BIG hit!!!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          July 3, 2017

          Yes! I’m happy to hear that Deborah! Thanks for sharing 🙂

          Reply

    • Marianne
      October 10, 2020

      This looks so delicious. I’m going to make it tomorrow for Thanksgiving dinner. Just wondering if you have any tips to know if the cheesecake is done after an hour. How jiggly will it be? Do you insert a knife? I want this to turn out! The caramel sauce for the top is going to make it over the top 😊

      Reply

  • Jennifer landers
    April 9, 2017

    Yum! Yum! Yum! What else is there to say? This looks delicious. I definitely want to try making it. Pinning for later.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 10, 2017

      It IS so GOOD! Please let me know what you think of the recipe Jennifer!

      Reply

  • Priscilla
    April 6, 2017

    Absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with us! I didn’t have a springform pan so I used my rectangular glass baking dish instead. (I don’t mind if it turns in to squares) I used almond flour for my base and did not pre-bake it. Didn’t have any sour cream or regular flour so I used arrowroot flour instead and just omitted the sour cream. It turned out wonderful! Just the perfect mix of pumpkin pie and cheesecake! Does not require toppings but if making it for company then toppings would be a nice touch and presentation. Thanks again & God bless you!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 7, 2017

      I’m happy you love the recipe Priscilla! God Bless 😀

      Reply

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