Very creamy and rich, this pumpkin cheesecake is topped with a luscious maple whipped cream. The chocolate cookie crust is the perfect base. A great dessert that comes together quickly, keeps well for several days and can be frozen.
A fantastic mix of flavors
I come bearing a pumpkin cheesecake that is traditional but not so much.
The filling is a classic one, creamy with warm spices.
But it has a chocolate cookie crust and a mound of maple whipped cream on top. Not so classic and so delicious together.
I was expecting a good cheesecake, but this one is great. The flavor is awesome. Really, truly awesome.
Cheesecakes are a favorite around here, and this one is a must for pumpkin season and the holidays.
Ingredient list
This recipe has three layers: the cookie crust, the pumpkin cheesecake filling and the whipped cream topping.
For the crust:
- Chocolate crumbs: use plain chocolate wafers not filled cookies.
- Unsalted butter.
For the pumpkin filling:
- Cream cheese: the regular type, full-fat cream cheese is needed for consistency and creaminess.
- Vanilla extract.
- Ground cinnamon.
- Pumpkin puree. Use canned fresh pumpkin or make homemade pumpkin puree. Please don't mistake it for pumpkin pie filling, which is a different product.
- Heavy cream.
- Brown sugar: light or dark.
For the cream topping:
- Heavy whipping or heavy cream.
- Sour cream: the regular type, full-fat sour cream is used for richness and creaminess.
- Maple syrup: it adds a fantastic layer of flavor. I like pure Grade A maple syrup.
Quantities are listed on the recipe card towards the end of this post. The Ingredients page has more details and lists the brands we use.
How to make pumpkin cheesecake
Make the cookie crust
This cheesecake has a chocolate cookie crust that's easy to make.
- Cookies: use plain chocolate wafers. Any type you like. Ground them fine. You can make the crumbs and store them in the pantry or refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Butter: unsalted butter is used for this base. You can also use brown butter, giving it a deeper flavor, but it's an extra step.
- Time saver: make the crust one or two days before. It can be stored in the refrigerator in the pan, well wrapped.
Make the filling
- Have all ingredients at room temperature. This is important to integrate well together, aiding in the creaminess and texture.
- Mixing: I do it all by hand, but you can use an electric hand beater only for the cheese and sugar part. I recommend doing the rest by hand, so you don't incorporate unnecessary air into the batter.
- Pour into the prepared pan (the mixture will be on the thin side) and bake according to instructions.
Cheese filling
Mix cream cheese with sugar first until very creamy and then add the eggs. Don't beat, we don't want to incorporate air. Stir until very well integrated.
Pumpkin
Add the pumpkin puree, cream, and flavorings at the end and combine well. The cheesecake batter will be on the thin side.
Chocolate crust
It's a simple mixture of plain chocolate wafers and melted butter. I don't recommend using stuffed cookies, as they distract from the pumpkin and maple flavors.
Maple whipped cream
- The best trick I ever learned for making whipped cream is to add a tablespoon or two of sour cream per cup of liquid cream. It works, every single time. Simply put cold cream and cold sour cream in a bowl, add sugar if you want to, and whip as you normally would. The cream will hold better and your pumpkin cheesecake will look better.
- About adding maple syrup: in this particular recipe, we use it as a sweetener instead of sugar. The result is as perfect as it looks in the pictures. The maple syrup gives it that particular smoky, wonderful flavor.
Being such a huge maple syrup fan, I drizzle additional on top of the whipped cream before serving. It makes this pumpkin cheesecake even richer. If that's possible.
Kitchen Notes
- Organization: read the recipe first and ensure you have ingredients at the correct temperature, utensils and equipment needed, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier.
- Baking time: consider that all ovens and pans are different, even if they look similar. The baking time in my recipes is as accurate as possible, but it might take you more or less time. You can use a thermometer(like the OXO oven thermometer) to check that your oven is at the right temperature. I recommend keeping track of how your oven works and what tiny details you might need to adjust.
- Plan in advance: some components in this recipe can be made ahead and sometimes frozen for a few weeks.
- Pan sizes: if you're planning on serving many people, you can opt for the rectangular, sheet cheesecake, similar to what we do with our favorite baked easy cheesecake recipe. The dessert will not be as tall, but you can cut it into squares and serve more people.
- Storing: you can make the pumpkin cheesecake (without the topping) up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it, well covered, in the pan. Remove at the last minute, top with the cream, and serve.
- Flavorings: play around with other flavors that appeal to you. Orange zest or allspice, maybe ginger. Tweak and adapt this pumpkin cheesecake to your taste. Use your favorite pumpkin bread or cake's spices and flavors as a guide.
- White granulated sugar can also be used instead of brown.
- Pumpkin dessert alternative: we have a very easy Pumpkin Cream Trifle that comes together in 15 minutes and only needs an hour of refrigeration before it's served.
Related recipes you might like:
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Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust
Ingredients
For the cookie base:
- 2 cups ground chocolate wafers
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the pumpkin cheesecake:
- 14 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup pumpkin pureé, canned or homemade, see Notes below
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup cream, straight from the container
- Few gratings fresh nutmeg, optional
For the maple cream:
- 1 cup heavy or heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons sour cream, cold
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
For serving:
- Extra maple syrup
- Candied pumpkin, in small pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
- Line the bottom of an 9-inch (24cm) cake pan with removable bottom with foil if wanted.
For the cookie base:
- Line bottom of 9-inch 24cm) springform pan with a large piece of aluminum foil, assemble pan, then pull extra foil up around the sides of the pan (see Notes below).
- Grind cookies in the food processor. Measure 2 cups ground cookies in a medium bowl, add ½ cup melted butter, and mix until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this mixture into the prepared pan, covering the bottom.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack while making the filling.
- Don’t turn the oven off and lower it to 325°F (170°C).
For the pumpkin filling:
- In a large bowl, beat 14 oz cream cheese and ½ cup brown sugar until smooth.
- Add 2 eggs, 1 yolk and mix until well combined.
- Add 1 cup pumpkin pureé, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, a few grating of nutmeg (if using), and ¼ cup cream. Stir to combine well, but don't beat much or overmix it.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. Turn the oven down to 300°F/150°C and bake for about 40 minutes more. The cheesecake should still jiggle a little in the center.
- Turn off the oven, leave the door ajar, and let the cheesecake inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely o.n a wire rack.
- Cover the pan in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, run a smooth-bladed knife around the edges to loosen any stuck parts. Remove carefully from the pan and transfer to a serving plate. Spread the maple cream on top, and drizzle with extra syrup and candied pumpkin, if using.
For the maple cream:
- In a medium bowl, beat 1 cup cream with 2 tablespoons of sour cream and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup until thick. Be careful not to overbeat it so it doesn’t curdle.
Lauren Vavala | Delicious Little Bites says
I love all of the flavors in this cheesecake. I usually settle for just pumpkin and chocolate, but the maple takes this over the top - delish!!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
I'm breaking out my fat pants for a slice of this cheesecake. I'm impressed with the three distinct layers of flavor -- it's beautiful too. A showstopper!
Natalie says
Oh wow that pie looks incredible. I love the texture and flavors. I must make this soon. Can't wait!
Aimee Mars says
Wow, the combination of all these delicious fall flavors is amazing! I don't think I'd want to share this pie with anyone so I could keep it all for myself!
Kathy says
Oh Paula, This cake looks amazing! I love pumpkin cheesecake…it always makes an appearance at my Thanksgiving table. Yours is just so pretty with the candied pumpkin!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Candied pumpkin sounds really good to me. Paula this cheesecake looks out of this world!
Dina says
it looks delish!
Pink Patisserie says
Good gracious Paula this is stunning. And candied pumpkin!! Genius. My favorite maple syrup recipe is not a baking recipe, rather it's roasted squash, kale and italian sausage all braised in maple syrup, olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes.
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
I'm so lucky I live in the land of maple syrup. I'd send you some but I think an even better idea is if you come to visit me here, Paula. It'd be fabulous! Just as fabulous as your stunning, creamy, luscious pumpkin cheesecake.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Paula!
Oh my goodness!!! This is lovely! can you buy candies pumpkin from the grocery store? LOVE your cake stand and thank goodness you found it and got it back! I think your pumpkin cheesecake looks perfect!
noshingwiththenolands says
Dynamite, delicious and decadent and perfect for Halloween!! What a great recipe!!!
Cher Rockwell says
I love maple syrup - I would be sad if it were a rare treat. However, this cheese cake looks amazing. Gorgeous recipe!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I love that you posted so many pumpkin recipes this week, hope they keep coming forever! I can totally enjoy this cheesecake.. oh yes, I can!
Guru Uru says
This cheesecake looks perfect, the flavour is so intense and sweetly delicious 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Abbe Odenwalder says
You've covered all your bases, now. Main course and dessert. This looks fabulous and has all my favorite fall ingredients. If it was placed in front of me, I'd take the first piece!
Shaina Wizov says
Oh my gosh your cheesecake looks beautiful! And sounds just as amazing as it looks.
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
Haha, I have so many plates/serving containers/storage things that are loaned out, yet to be returned, so I sympathize. Nonetheless, this cheesecake doesn't need anything else than that simple white plate. What an amazing, flavor-packed recipe. Wow! Love that maple cream.
Montse {Rhu and Sam} says
Wow, este pastel me ha dejado impresionada! Creo que nunca he probado la candied pumpkin, me parece muy original...
Megan Wood says
Wowowowow - this recipe is amazing Paula.
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says
There is not a single thing that I don't love about this. The smaller would have been cool, but it is absolutely gorgeous as-is, Paula. First off, I need to find some candied pumpkin (been meaning to try making some, but haven't quite gotten there yet).
Hmmm...my favorite maple thing? Hard to choose. I do love maple candies...