Ingredients
Crust
- 110 g Unsalted butter
- 300 g Graham crackers (approx. 20 sleeves)
- Pinch of salt
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling
- 3 Gelatine sheets (3 x 1.7 g = 5 g total gelatin)
- 210 g Pumpkin puree (half a Libby’s can, 7.5 oz)
- 150 g Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin spice
- 560 g Cream cheese (full fat Philadelphia, cold)
- 230 g Heavy cream (36% fat, very cold)
Decoration Frosting
- 120 g Philadelphia cream cheese (full fat, cold)
- 120 g Heavy cream (36% fat, very cold)
- 30 g Powdered sugar (sifted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: Melt the butter and set it aside to cool slightly. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Combine the crumbs with a pinch of salt, then add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of an 8-inch or 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or a small measuring cup to press firmly and evenly without over-packing. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or 15 minutes in the freezer) before filling to allow it to set properly.
- Soften Gelatin Sheets: Place the gelatin sheets in a small bowl of cold water and soak until they are fully softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Pumpkin Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the pumpkin puree with granulated sugar, pumpkin spice, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cook for about 5 minutes until some moisture evaporates and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Squeeze excess water from the softened gelatin sheets and whisk the gelatin into the hot pumpkin mixture until fully melted. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Whip Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip the cream cheese until smooth, light, and fluffy. Gently fold the cooled pumpkin mixture into the whipped cream cheese using a rubber spatula until fully combined.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the 230 g heavy cream to just before stiff peaks (soft but stable peaks), ensuring the cream stays smooth and flexible.
- Combine Pumpkin Mixture and Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin cream cheese mixture, working slowly to keep the filling airy and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the pumpkin cream cheese filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top evenly with an offset spatula. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set firmly.
- Remove Cheesecake from Pan: After chilling, run a thin knife around the edges of the pan if necessary, then gently release and remove the springform ring to unmold the cheesecake.
- Prepare Decoration Frosting: Whip together the 120 g cream cheese, 120 g heavy cream, and sifted powdered sugar for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pipeable. Avoid overwhipping to prevent the frosting from becoming runny.
- Decorate: Transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1M nozzle and pipe decorative swirls or patterns onto the top of the chilled cheesecake.
- Storage: Keep the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best results, store it in the springform pan covered with plastic wrap or foil. Alternatively, transfer slices to an airtight container.
- Freezing: Freeze either the whole cheesecake or individual slices by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Note that freezing may slightly soften the texture of the graham cracker crust but does not affect the overall flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and heavy cream are very cold before whipping for best texture.
- Do not overwhip the heavy cream to avoid curdling or lumps in the filling.
- The gelatin sheets must be fully dissolved in the warm pumpkin mixture to properly set the cheesecake.
- Press crust firmly but do not over-pack to keep it crumbly and pleasant in texture.
- Allow at least 6 hours chilling time for the cheesecake to set fully—overnight is preferable.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor balance with the pumpkin.
- Pipe the decoration frosting just before serving for optimal appearance.
- The cheesecake can be frozen but expect a change in crust texture; consume within one month.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian