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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, eliminating any potential lumps that might disrupt the cheesecake’s silky texture.
- Gradually incorporate pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, and heavy cream, blending until the mixture achieves a uniform, luxurious consistency.
- Infuse the filling with warm autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, ensuring each spice is thoroughly integrated for a balanced flavor profile.
- Carefully pour the pumpkin-spiced mixture over the cooled crust, using a spatula to create an absolutely level surface.
- Bake the cheesecake in a moderate oven, allowing it to cook until the edges are set but the center maintains a subtle, elegant wobble.
- Implement a gentle cooling technique by leaving the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar, which helps prevent unsightly surface cracks.
- 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.
- Simmer the caramel until it reaches a perfect consistency, then enhance with a splash of vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
- After thoroughly chilling the cheesecake overnight, generously drizzle the luxurious caramel sauce across the surface, creating an enticing visual and flavor contrast.
- 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