Description
Indulgent “chocolate pumpkin cheesecake” blends autumn’s rich flavors with creamy decadence. Spiced chocolate crust and silky pumpkin filling create a dessert that delights senses and celebrates seasonal comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 24 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Spices and Flavorings:
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
Toppings and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup chocolate ganache
- 1/4 cup whipped cream
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing the sides.
- Melt the butter and combine thoroughly with graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a compact crust.
- Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating granulated sugar until fully integrated.
- Fold in pumpkin puree, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until the texture becomes uniform and silky.
- Gently introduce the eggs one at a time, blending carefully to maintain a smooth consistency without overmixing.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt into the mixture, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Melt chocolate chips and swirl through the cheesecake batter, creating attractive marbled patterns throughout.
- Pour the batter over the graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2 hours.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal texture.
- Before serving, drizzle chocolate ganache over the top, garnish with whipped cream, and sprinkle chopped pecans.
Notes
- Prevent Cracking: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and mix ingredients gently to avoid incorporating excess air, which can cause unsightly surface cracks during baking.
- Spice Adjustment: Customize the warm spice blend by increasing or decreasing cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to match personal taste preferences or accommodate different flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional graham cracker crust with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds to make the dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions where time is limited.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg