Quick & Easy Paula Deen Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe for Fall

Pumpkin cheesecake represents autumn’s most luxurious dessert celebration, blending creamy richness with warm seasonal spices.

Smooth cream cheese transforms this classic treat into a decadent masterpiece that melts across your palate.

Sweet pumpkin whispers memories of cozy gatherings and festive moments shared with loved ones.

Sophisticated yet comforting, the dessert balances delicate textures with robust aromatic notes that dance between subtle sweetness and deep, complex flavors.

Bakers treasure this recipe for its elegant simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Each slice promises a culinary experience that captures the essence of fall’s most beloved flavors.

You’ll want to savor every indulgent bite of this irresistible seasonal sensation: prepare to be amazed.

Why Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Will Wow Your Taste Buds

• Embrace Seasonal Comfort: This pumpkin cheesecake captures the warm, cozy essence of autumn with its rich blend of spices and creamy texture that wraps you in pure comfort.
• Stress-Free Baking Experience: The straightforward method makes this recipe incredibly approachable for bakers of all skill levels, requiring minimal technical expertise and delivering impressive results with simple steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Delight: Perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, this cheesecake offers a luxurious dessert option that works brilliantly for family gatherings, holiday parties, or weekend treats that everyone will adore.
• Make-Ahead Magic: With its make-ahead potential and minimal hands-on time, this recipe allows you to prepare the dessert in advance, freeing up valuable time for entertaining and enjoying special moments with loved ones.

What You Need for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for cheesecake with a sweet, crisp texture and rich flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness to the crust.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances the overall flavor profile of the crust.
• Butter: Binds the crust ingredients together and provides a rich, smooth consistency.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that creates the classic cheesecake texture and tangy flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds autumn-inspired flavor and creamy consistency to the filling.
• Eggs and Egg Yolk: Provide structure and help bind the filling ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the cream cheese's tanginess.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Ground Cinnamon: Warm, classic spice that complements pumpkin flavors.
• Optional Additional Spices: Nutmeg or ginger can add extra depth to the pumpkin cheesecake.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare The Crust

• 1 graham cracker crumbs
• Light brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well blended. Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch springform pan, creating a firm, compact base. Set aside.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Filling

• Pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• Sour cream
• Sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves

Stir in flour and vanilla extract. Mix until ingredients are fully incorporated and filling is silky. Pour mixture over prepared crust, spreading evenly.

Step 3: Bake And Chill The Cheesecake

Place springform pan in preheated oven. Bake for 60 minutes until center is almost set. Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 15 minutes. Wrap pan in plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight. Slice and serve chilled.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cheesecake

• Overnight Flavor Infusion: Let the cheesecake rest in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. This magical waiting period allows the spices to mingle and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Gentle Cooling Strategy: Crack the oven door open after baking and let the cheesecake sit for half an hour. Slow cooling prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause unsightly surface cracks.
• Moisture-Preserving Water Bath: Surround your springform pan with hot water during baking. This technique creates a steamy environment that keeps the cheesecake creamy and prevents drying out.
• Low and Slow Mixing Technique: Blend ingredients at a low speed to minimize air bubbles. Excess air can lead to an uneven surface and potential cracking during baking.
• Soft Cream Cheese Preparation: Pull cream cheese out of the refrigerator well before mixing. Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly, ensuring a silky, lump-free cheesecake texture.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cheesecake

• Vacuum Seal: Protect your delicate pumpkin cheesecake from freezer burn by using a vacuum sealer. Remove excess air completely, creating an airtight seal that preserves texture and flavor. Slice the cheesecake first, then individually wrap and seal each portion for convenient future serving.
• Layered Freezing: Place wax paper between each slice before storing in a freezer-safe container. This prevents slices from sticking together and allows easy removal of individual portions. Stack carefully to maintain the cheesecake's structural integrity and prevent crushing.
• Temperature Control: Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures consistently. Keep the cheesecake at a steady 40°F or below in the refrigerator and 0°F or below in the freezer. Use a reliable digital thermometer to ensure optimal storage conditions and maximize the dessert's quality and taste.

Fun Variations for Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cheesecake

• Nutty Pumpkin Perfection: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed pecans or almonds in the crust for a rich, toasted flavor that complements the creamy pumpkin filling.
• Maple Magic Cheesecake: Swap regular sugar with maple syrup and add a drizzle of maple glaze on top, creating a deep autumnal sweetness that elevates the classic recipe.
• Spiced Chocolate Fusion: Incorporate dark chocolate chips into the filling and sprinkle cocoa powder over the crust, blending rich chocolate notes with warm pumpkin spices for a decadent dessert experience.
• No-Bake Pumpkin Dream: Transform the recipe into a chilled cheesecake by using gelatin to set the filling, eliminating the baking process and creating a lighter, cooler version perfect for warmer days.

Closing Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin cheesecake embodies autumn’s warmth with Paula Deen’s signature comfort.

Creamy layers meld nostalgic spices into silky perfection, promising delightful indulgence.

Seasonal ingredients dance through each delectable slice, creating memorable moments.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert connects generations around shared culinary joy.

Bakers from novice to expert can confidently craft this mouthwatering treat.

Craving connection?

Share this recipe, spark conversations, and spread deliciousness across your favorite social platforms – you won’t regret exploring this classic masterpiece.

Paula Deen Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Paula Deen’s Pumpkin Cheesecake brings autumn’s warmth to classic dessert lovers. Creamy spiced pumpkin filling nestles atop a graham cracker crust, promising rich seasonal comfort that will make palates dance with delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 (8 ounces / 226 grams) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can pureed pumpkin
• 4 eggs (3 eggs plus 1 yolk)
• 1½ cups (300 grams) sugar

Crust Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups (220 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 stick (113 grams) salted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons (37 grams) light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust by pulverizing graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix the cracker crumbs with light brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Drizzle melted unsalted butter over the crumb mixture, stirring thoroughly until the ingredients are completely integrated and resemble wet sand-like texture.
3. Transfer the crumb mixture into a 23 centimeters (9-inch) springform pan, pressing firmly and evenly across the bottom to create a compact and uniform base layer.
4. In a separate large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Gradually incorporate pureed pumpkin, whole eggs, additional egg yolk, sour cream, granulated sugar, and warm baking spices into the cream cheese, mixing at medium speed until fully combined.
6. Add all-purpose flour and pure vanilla extract to the mixture, blending until the filling achieves a silky, consistent texture without overmixing.
7. Gently pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any potential air pockets.
8. Position the springform pan in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake for approximately 60 minutes until the center is almost set but slightly wobbly.
9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, helping prevent potential cracking.
10. Carefully cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to complete the setting process and enhance flavor development.

Notes

• Cool slowly inside the oven with the door cracked open, reducing sudden temperature changes that cause surface cracks and uneven textures.
• Bake using a water bath technique, surrounding the pan with hot water to create gentle, consistent heat distribution for smooth, crack-free results.
• Mix ingredients at low speed, preventing excess air incorporation that leads to potential surface imperfections during baking.
• Ensure cream cheese reaches complete room temperature before blending, guaranteeing silky-smooth consistency without unwanted lumps.
• Refrigerate overnight to develop rich, deep flavors and allow complete structural stabilization of the delicate dessert.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 120mg