Pumpkin Cheesecake is my go-to dessert every fall, and it all started one chilly October afternoon when I wanted something more indulgent than pie, but just as nostalgic. The creamy layers, warm spices, and buttery graham cracker crust instantly became a family favorite. My signature touch? A rich swirl of caramel sauce on top — because every cozy dessert deserves a little extra magic. This easy pumpkin cheesecake recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, weekend baking, or when you’re craving something sweet, spiced, and spectacular. It’s smooth, perfectly spiced, and feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re searching for how to make pumpkin cheesecake at home or the best pumpkin cheesecake for parties, this one has you covered. Here’s how to make it.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
- ✅ Perfect Fall Dessert: All your favorite autumn flavors in one slice.
- ✅ Easy Layering Technique: No swirling needed – just smooth, creamy layers.
- ✅ Caramel Topping: Takes the decadence to another level.
- ✅ Great for Make-Ahead: Chill overnight and serve the next day.
- ✅ Beginner Friendly: Step-by-step guidance throughout.
Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake – Easy Fall Dessert Idea
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 1 9-inch cheesecake (8–10 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce is the ultimate fall dessert. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky cream cheese layer, spiced pumpkin filling, and a drizzle of golden caramel, it’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Whipped cream, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- In a bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth. Spread over cooled crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat 16 oz cream cheese until fluffy. Add pumpkin puree, 3/4 cup sugar, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Mix until creamy.
- Pour pumpkin layer over the cream cheese layer. Smooth the top.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce and top with whipped cream.
Notes
- For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour base.
- Use a water bath or place a tray of hot water in the oven to avoid cracks.
- Make ahead the night before for the best flavor and texture.
- Try sea salt caramel for a sweet and salty twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cheesecake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this fall favorite, broken down by component:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Gluten-Free Option: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free crumbs or crushed almond cookies.
For the Cream Cheese Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Spice Tip: Prefer premade spice blends? Use 2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices.
For the Topping:
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Whipped cream (optional, but recommended!)
Pro Tip: Try sea salt caramel for a sweet-salty twist.
How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake – Step by Step
Let’s walk through this delicious recipe in easy, manageable parts.
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
Pro Tip: Use the bottom of a glass to press the crust evenly and firmly.
🔹 Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Base
- Beat 8 oz cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar until creamy.
- Add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mix until smooth.
- Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
🔹 Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Layer
- In a clean bowl, beat 16 oz cream cheese until fluffy.
- Add pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and all spices.
- Mix until fully blended and smooth.
Texture Tip: Avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles or cracks.
🔹 Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Gently pour the pumpkin layer over the cream cheese layer.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until center is set (it should jiggle slightly).
- Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
🔹 Step 5: Chill and Top
- Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- Just before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Add whipped cream to each slice for that bakery-style finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cheesecake
- 🕒 Make Ahead: This dessert gets better as it chills. Perfect for prepping the night before.
- 🍽️ No Springform? Use a deep pie dish or line a regular cake pan with parchment paper.
- ❄️ Freeze Slices: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- 🔍 Avoid Cracks: Bake in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the lower rack of the oven.
Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake
- With a warm mug of chai or spiced apple cider
- Alongside fresh fruit like pomegranate seeds or figs
- As a show-stopping Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving dessert
- With candied pecans or gingerbread crumbs sprinkled on top
Want to elevate the presentation? Use a piping bag to dollop whipped cream in rosettes before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 28g
- Sugar: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
Looking for a lower-sugar version? Reduce sugar by 25% or use stevia blend alternatives.
Storage & Leftovers
How Long Does Pumpkin Cheesecake Last?
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days, covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 2 months. Freeze whole or in slices, tightly wrapped.
How to Reheat
- Cheesecake is best served cold, but you can microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds for a slightly warmed bite.
Kitchen Questions, Solved (FAQs)
Q: Can I make pumpkin cheesecake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It’s actually best made a day in advance so the flavors can fully develop.
Q: How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
A: Bake in a water bath or allow slow cooling in the oven. Don’t overbeat the batter.
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie mix?
A: It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree. Pie mix contains added sugar and spices which will throw off the recipe balance.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter. You may also need a plant-based egg substitute.
More Tasty Ideas to Explore
Love this pumpkin cheesecake? You might also enjoy:
Your Turn in the Kitchen!
You now have everything you need to whip up a dreamy Pumpkin Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce that’s bound to impress. From the creamy filling to the perfectly spiced pumpkin layer and that irresistible caramel drizzle — it’s the fall dessert you didn’t know you needed.
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments and share your delicious creation with #PumpkinCheesecakeLove on social media!
Savor the Ending
This isn’t just any cheesecake — it’s your new go-to dessert for autumn and beyond. Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering, bring it to a friend’s dinner party, or enjoy it solo with a cozy blanket and good book, Pumpkin Cheesecake brings comfort in every bite.
So go ahead — slice it, drizzle it, and savor every creamy, spiced mouthful. 🍰
