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Halloween Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 74 reviews

This Halloween Pumpkin Cheesecake is a festive and rich dessert perfect for fall celebrations. It features a chocolatey graham cracker crust and a creamy pumpkin-spiced cheesecake filling, baked in a water bath for a smooth, crack-free texture. Finished with a silky chocolate ganache drizzle and seasonal candy garnishes, this cheesecake offers a perfect balance of chocolate and pumpkin flavors with a delightful autumnal twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder

Filling

  • 24 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 3 large eggs

Garnish and Ganache

  • Assorted candy corn/pumpkins
  • Orange and black sprinkling sugar
  • Pumpkin sprinkles
  • 6 ounces semisweet chocolate morsels
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Cover the sides with foil to protect it during the water bath. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, melted butter, and cocoa powder until fully mixed. Press this mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan using a flat-bottomed surface.
  2. Bake the Crust: Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
  3. Prepare the Filling: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add sugar and continue mixing until smooth and creamy. Add pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and coarse salt, mixing until well combined.
  4. Add Eggs: On low speed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition to prevent overmixing.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Place the foil-wrapped springform pan in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan, ensuring water does not touch the filling. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
  6. Cool in Oven: After baking, turn off the oven and open the oven door just slightly (about an inch). Let the cheesecake cool gradually inside the oven for 60 minutes to prevent cracking.
  7. Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath, dry off the foil, and refrigerate overnight to fully set.
  8. Remove from Pan: Run a paring knife around the sides of the chilled cheesecake to loosen it, then release the springform ring. To remove the base, gently heat the bottom on a stove burner or with a crème brûlée torch, then slide a knife or spatula under the base and carefully transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate.
  9. Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until steaming (not boiling). Pour over the semisweet chocolate morsels and let sit for 10 minutes. Whisk until smooth, glossy, and slightly cooled to warm but not hot.
  10. Decorate: Drizzle the ganache over the cheesecake top as desired. Sprinkle with the candy corn, pumpkin sprinkles, and orange and black sanding sugar. Slice and serve to enjoy the perfect Halloween-themed dessert.

Notes

  • Using a water bath ensures the cheesecake cooks evenly and prevents cracking.
  • Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven for a smooth texture.
  • Make sure the heavy cream is hot but not boiling when making ganache to avoid seizing the chocolate.
  • Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water for clean slices when serving.
  • Graham cracker crumbs can be replaced with chocolate wafer crumbs for a different crust flavor.
  • Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Halloween dessert, pumpkin cheesecake, autumn dessert, chocolate pumpkin cheesecake, spooky dessert, fall cheesecake

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/halloween-pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe/