Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Recipe Creamy & Delicious Dessert Recipe

Quick & Dreamy Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Recipe for Fall Bliss

Autumn whispers its magic through this decadent pumpkin caramel cheesecake recipe that promises pure comfort.

Sweet aromas will swirl around your kitchen during preparation.

Layers of silky cream cheese merge seamlessly with warm seasonal spices.

Rich caramel ribbons weave through each tantalizing slice, creating unexpected flavor moments.

Smooth textures dance between dense cheesecake and buttery graham cracker crust.

Simple ingredients combine to craft an elegant dessert that feels both sophisticated and deeply familiar.

You’ll adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

One bite promises to transport you directly into cozy fall memories.

Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake: Full of Fall Comfort

  • Dive into this Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake's irresistible charm!
  • Break down the recipe into manageable steps that even novice bakers can confidently execute without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Prepare this showstopper dessert entirely in advance, allowing the cheesecake to chill overnight and reducing day-of stress for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
  • Combine classic pumpkin spice warmth with rich caramel sweetness, creating a decadent dessert that delivers multiple layers of comforting autumn-inspired taste in every single bite.

What Goes Into Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for cheesecake, providing a sweet and crunchy foundation.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings caramel-like sweetness and helps crust hold together.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy base that creates smooth and tangy cheesecake texture, best when softened at room temperature.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds autumn flavor and beautiful orange color, use pure pumpkin puree not pie filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Classic pumpkin spice blend that gives warm, seasonal taste.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates smooth, rich caramel base.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds silky texture to the sauce.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to caramel flavor.

Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Instructions in Simple Steps

Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Foundation

  • Graham crackers
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Fire up the oven to a toasty 325F (163C).
  • Toss graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar until perfectly coated.
  • Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan, creating a solid base.
  • Bake for 10 minutes until golden, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Create the Silky Pumpkin Filling

  • Cream cheese
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger
  • Cloves
  • Salt
  • Whip cream cheese until ultra-smooth and creamy.
  • Fold in pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, cream, and vanilla.
  • Sprinkle in warm spices and salt, mixing until perfectly blended.
  • Pour the luscious filling over the cooled crust.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

  • Slide the cheesecake into the oven for about 1 hour.
  • Watch for set edges with a subtle center jiggle.
  • Kill the oven heat, cracking the door open for 1 hour.
  • Let the cheesecake chill completely, then refrigerate for 4-8 hours.

Step 4: Whip Up Decadent Caramel Sauce

  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir in brown sugar, cream, and salt until silky smooth.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Pull from heat and splash in vanilla.
  • Allow sauce to cool slightly.

Step 5: Final Flourish and Serve

  • Drizzle caramel generously over the chilled cheesecake.
  • Slice into dreamy portions.
  • Optional: Crown with whipped cream or chopped nuts.
  • Indulge in pure dessert bliss!

Tips to Make Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Smooth and Rich

  • Prevent Crust Crumbling: Firmly press graham cracker mixture into the pan using the back of a spoon to create a compact, sturdy base that won't fall apart when slicing.
  • Avoid Cheesecake Cracks: Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually by leaving it in the oven with the door slightly open, which helps prevent unsightly surface cracks.
  • Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
  • Master Caramel Consistency: Stir the caramel sauce continuously and watch carefully to prevent burning, removing from heat when it reaches a rich, golden-brown color.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast ground spices briefly in a dry pan before adding to the filling to intensify their warm, aromatic qualities and create a more complex taste profile.

Store and Reheat Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake the Right Way

  • Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Slice the cheesecake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Gently warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture changes and maintain the creamy consistency.
  • Keep extra caramel sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Warm slightly before drizzling over cheesecake when ready to serve.

Pair Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake with These Favorites

  • Brew a rich espresso or café latte that mirrors the caramel and pumpkin flavors in the cheesecake, creating a harmonious taste experience that enhances the dessert's warmth and sweetness.
  • Mix a smooth rum with cinnamon and nutmeg to echo the cheesecake's spice profile, offering a sophisticated adult beverage that brings out the dessert's deep, complex flavors.
  • Serve alongside candied pecans or a pecan brittle to add a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone that complements the creamy cheesecake and caramel sauce.
  • Pour a small glass of cinnamon-infused whiskey that intensifies the dessert's warm spices and provides a bold, smooth accompaniment to the rich pumpkin cheesecake.

Easy Variations for Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based version.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.

Reduced-Sugar Version: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free caramel sauce and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor profile.

Nut-Topped Alternative: Sprinkle toasted pecans or candied walnuts on top of the caramel drizzle. Add chopped nuts into the crust for extra crunch and nutty complexity.

Print
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Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Recipe Creamy & Delicious Dessert Recipe

Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Recipe | Creamy & Delicious Dessert Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake weaves autumn’s warmth into a silky dessert that dances between rich spices and smooth caramel. Fall’s most delectable treat promises comfort in each sublime slice you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 (8 ounces / 225 grams each) cream cheese blocks, softened
  • 1 cup (240 grams) canned pumpkin puree
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups (200 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping and Garnish:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes (optional)
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Pecans, chopped (optional)
  • Extra caramel drizzle (optional)

Instructions

  1. Meticulously crush graham crackers and combine with melted butter and brown sugar, creating a cohesive, sandy mixture that will form the foundational layer of the dessert.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, ensuring an even, compact base using the back of a spoon for precise distribution.
  3. Toast the crust in a preheated oven until it develops a light golden hue, then allow it to cool completely, which will help maintain its structural integrity.
  4. Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, eliminating any potential lumps that might disrupt the cheesecake’s silky texture.
  5. Gradually incorporate pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, and heavy cream, blending until the mixture achieves a uniform, luxurious consistency.
  6. Infuse the filling with warm autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, ensuring each spice is thoroughly integrated for a balanced flavor profile.
  7. Carefully pour the pumpkin-spiced mixture over the cooled crust, using a spatula to create an absolutely level surface.
  8. Bake the cheesecake in a moderate oven, allowing it to cook until the edges are set but the center maintains a subtle, elegant wobble.
  9. Implement a gentle cooling technique by leaving the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar, which helps prevent unsightly surface cracks.
  10. Craft a rich caramel sauce by melting butter and combining it with brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, stirring continuously to achieve a glossy, smooth texture.
  11. Simmer the caramel until it reaches a perfect consistency, then enhance with a splash of vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
  12. After thoroughly chilling the cheesecake overnight, generously drizzle the luxurious caramel sauce across the surface, creating an enticing visual and flavor contrast.
  13. Serve the cheesecake chilled, optionally adorning with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts to elevate the presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent cheesecake cracking by baking in a water bath for even, gentle heat distribution and reducing temperature shock.
  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
  • Control caramel sauce sweetness by adjusting brown sugar quantity or using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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