Dreamy Paula Deen Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Pumpkin cheesecake emerges as autumn’s most seductive dessert, weaving creamy decadence with warm spice-laden memories.

Luxurious cream cheese transforms this classic confection into a silky symphony of flavor.

Whispers of sweet pumpkin evoke nostalgic moments of fireside gatherings and intimate family celebrations.

Sophisticated yet soul-warming, the dessert marries delicate textures with robust aromatic nuances that sparkle on the tongue.

Skilled bakers treasure this recipe for its elegant simplicity and crowd-melting charm.

Velvety layers promise a sensory journey through fall’s most enchanting culinary landscape.

You’ll crave each luscious forkful of this irresistible seasonal masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients That Define Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Opt for fine, fresh crumbs with a crisp texture and golden-brown color.
• Light Brown Sugar: Choose soft, moist sugar that crumbles easily and adds rich caramel undertones.
• Ground Cinnamon: Select fresh, fragrant cinnamon with a warm, sweet aroma for maximum flavor.
• Melted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for a smooth, rich base that binds ingredients perfectly.

• Cream Cheese: Pick smooth, creamy Philadelphia-style cheese at room temperature for silky consistency.
• Pumpkin Puree: Select 100% pure pumpkin puree without added spices for authentic seasonal taste.
• Large Eggs, Egg Yolk: Choose fresh, organic eggs with bright yellow yolks for richness and structure.
• Sour Cream: Pick full-fat, tangy sour cream to enhance creaminess and add subtle depth.
• Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar that dissolves completely for smooth, even sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Select freshly ground, aromatic spices for authentic fall flavor profile.

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour to provide subtle binding and smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Choose pure, high-quality vanilla for rich, complex background notes.

Baking Tools for Pumpkin Cheesecake

• Springform pan: 9-inch round pan with removable sides for easy cheesecake release.
• Medium mixing bowl: For combining crust ingredients smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for blending cream cheese and filling components.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for beating cream cheese until silky and smooth.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down bowl sides and mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Plastic wrap: Used for covering cheesecake during chilling process.
• Oven: Necessary for baking cheesecake at specified temperature.
• Cooling rack: Optional surface for letting cheesecake rest after baking.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake the Paula Way

• Craft The Crunchy Base

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs. Toss in brown sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix everything until it feels like wet sand. Press this delightful mixture firmly into a springform pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake adventure.

• Whip Up The Dreamy Filling

Grab your mixer and beat cream cheese until it’s silky smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, and a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle in sugar and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Splash in vanilla extract and a touch of flour. Blend everything until the mixture looks like velvet. Pour this luscious filling over your waiting crust, spreading it evenly.

• Bake And Chill To Perfection

Slide your cheesecake into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about an hour until the center looks almost set. Pull it out and let it cool down for a quick 15 minutes. Wrap the pan and tuck it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. When ready, slice and serve this creamy autumn treat that’ll make taste buds dance.

Seasonal Tips for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cheesecake

Experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom or ginger for an extra flavor punch. A pinch of these aromatic spices can transform the traditional taste profile and create a unique dessert experience.

Replace part of the graham cracker crust with crushed pecans or walnuts for added texture and depth. Toasting the nuts beforehand intensifies their rich, earthy flavor and provides a delightful crunch.

Elevate your cheesecake with a homemade spiced whipped cream. Fold in a touch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to complement the cake’s warm undertones and create a visually stunning presentation.

This cheesecake actually improves with time. Prepare it a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for maximum deliciousness.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Cheesecake

• Slice with Seasonal Flair: Top each cheesecake slice with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed graham crackers for extra texture and festive autumn vibes.
• Pair with Cozy Companions: Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider or caramel latte to enhance the pumpkin cheesecake's rich flavors.
• Garnish with Gourmet Touch: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a light drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the dessert's presentation and taste profile.
• Create Party-Ready Portions: Cut into small bite-sized squares for easy sharing at holiday gatherings or potluck dessert tables.

Keeping Paula’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Fresh

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover cheesecake slices into airtight containers with tight-sealing lids to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of refrigerator odors.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep cheesecake refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum flavor preservation and food safety standards.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month, allowing convenient make-ahead dessert preparation.
• Thawing Wisdom: Remove frozen cheesecake from freezer and let it slowly defrost in refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to prevent potential bacterial growth and maintain creamy texture.

Indulgent Paula Deen Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Creamy paula deen pumpkin cheesecake delivers autumn’s warmest flavors on a graham cracker crust. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this dessert brings comfort to holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) pureed pumpkin
• 4 eggs (3 eggs plus 1 yolk)
• 1.5 cups (300 g) sugar
• 1.75 cups (220 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 stick (113 g) salted butter, melted
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) sour cream
• 3 tbsps (37 g) light brown sugar
• 2 tbsps (16 g) all purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.125 tsp fresh ground nutmeg
• 0.125 tsp ground cloves

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Instructions

1. Crust Creation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, blending with brown sugar and cinnamon. Incorporate melted butter until mixture resembles damp sand.
2. Crust Placement: Press crumb mixture firmly and uniformly into a 23 centimeters springform pan, creating a solid foundational layer.
3. Cheesecake Filling Preparation: Whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, then gradually integrate pumpkin puree, whole eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, granulated sugar, and warm baking spices using an electric mixer at medium speed.
4. Final Mixing: Fold in all-purpose flour and vanilla extract, maintaining a silky consistency without overworking the batter.
5. Baking Setup: Transfer filling into crust-lined pan, smoothing surface to eliminate potential air bubbles. Position in preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius.
6. Baking Process: Bake for approximately 60 minutes until center appears almost set with a subtle wobble, indicating optimal doneness.
7. Cooling Strategy: Remove from oven and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to minimize potential surface cracking.
8. Chilling Protocol: Seal pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing complete setting and flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Crush Crumbs Carefully: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, uniform graham cracker crumbs for a smooth, even crust foundation.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: Cool the cheesecake gradually at room temperature for 15 minutes before refrigerating to minimize surface cracking and maintain a creamy texture.
• Mix Without Overmixing: Blend ingredients at medium speed until just combined, avoiding excessive mixing that can introduce air bubbles and compromise the cheesecake’s silky consistency.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect creamy set.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg