Introduction

Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake with Graham Crust is a luxurious dessert perfect for autumn and holiday celebrations. This cheesecake combines the smooth, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The graham cracker crust adds a subtle sweetness and crunch that perfectly complements the rich filling.

This dessert is ideal for impressing guests at Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any festive gathering. It’s rich, indulgent, and captures the essence of fall in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and spiced flavors. The pumpkin adds natural moisture and warmth, while the cheesecake remains velvety and luscious. The graham crust provides a subtle crunch, making every bite a delightful mix of textures. It’s a dessert that feels elegant yet comforting.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Combines classic cheesecake creaminess with seasonal pumpkin flavors.
Perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Silky texture that melts in your mouth, paired with a buttery graham crust.
Can be made ahead of time, making it convenient for entertaining.
Loved by pumpkin and cheesecake fans alike — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 60–70 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: ~450 kcal per slice
Cuisine: American / Fall Dessert
Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling:

24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup sour cream or heavy cream

Optional Topping:

Whipped cream
Caramel sauce
Chopped pecans

Simple Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and butter.
Combine graham crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Press into pan to form crust.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Mix until creamy.
Stir in sour cream/heavy cream until fully incorporated.
Pour filling over crust and smooth top.
Bake 60–70 minutes until center is almost set.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve with optional whipped cream, caramel, or pecans.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake crust for 8–10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add pumpkin puree and mix until fully combined.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves).
Stir in sour cream or heavy cream until filling is smooth.

Step 4: Assemble Cheesecake

Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the baked graham crust.
Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake Cheesecake

Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when tapped.
Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.

Step 6: Chill

Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.

Step 7: Serve

Release the springform pan and transfer cheesecake to a serving plate.
Optionally top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chopped pecans.
Slice and serve chilled.

How to Serve

Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or festive dessert tables.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
Avoid overmixing eggs — it can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
A water bath (bain-marie) can help prevent cracks if desired.
Let cheesecake cool gradually in oven to reduce cracking.

Variations

Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Cheesecake: Swirl melted chocolate into the filling before baking.
Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake: Replace sugar with maple syrup for a rich, earthy flavor.
Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake: Add chopped pecans into the filling or sprinkle on top.
Gluten-Free Crust: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust.
Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months.
Thawing: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

9-inch springform pan
Parchment paper
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Spatula
Optional: Water bath setup to prevent cracks

FAQ

Q1: Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Do not use pumpkin pie filling.

Q2: How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing, bake at a moderate temperature, and cool slowly. Using a water bath helps prevent cracks.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cheesecake can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Q4: Can I freeze individual slices?
Yes, wrap slices tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I use a different crust?
Yes, gingersnap cookies or chocolate graham crackers work well as alternatives.

Conclusion

Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake with Graham Crust is a decadent, autumn-inspired dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. The buttery graham crust complements the creamy filling perfectly, creating a dessert that’s elegant, festive, and irresistibly delicious. Ideal for holiday celebrations or special occasions, this pumpkin cheesecake will impress your guests and become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.