This Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake is the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin, making it an irresistible dessert for autumn gatherings. With a buttery graham cracker crust as the base, it features two delicious layers: a smooth, classic vanilla cheesecake topped with a lightly spiced pumpkin layer. Each bite offers a delightful contrast in flavors and textures, making it a festive and comforting treat that will be a hit at any holiday table.

Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers, crushed)
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the Pumpkin Layer:
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For Serving:
- Fresh piped whipped cream
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, making sure it’s firmly packed.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool. Once cooled, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ½ cup of sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Scoop out 1 cup of the cheesecake batter and spread it evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
3. Make the Pumpkin Layer:
- Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice to the remaining cheesecake batter. Gently stir until everything is well combined.
- Carefully spread the pumpkin mixture on top of the plain cheesecake layer in the crust.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the pie in the preheated 325°F oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are puffed and set, and the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Once done, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack to room temperature, about 1 to 2 hours.
5. Chill the Cheesecake:
- After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set properly.
6. Serve:
- Before serving, slice the cheesecake and top each piece with a generous dollop of freshly piped whipped cream for a decadent finish.
Tips & Variations:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the cheesecake batter.
- Graham Cracker Crust: For an extra twist, try using gingersnap cookies or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers to change up the flavor of the crust.
- Perfect Texture: Don’t overbake the cheesecake; the center should still jiggle slightly when you pull it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools and chills.
- Decorate Creatively: For a fun presentation, garnish with candied pecans, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on the whipped cream.
This Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake is a festive, creamy, and indulgent dessert that’s ideal for the fall season. The contrast between the vanilla cheesecake layer and the spiced pumpkin layer makes it both visually appealing and deliciously balanced. Whether served at Thanksgiving or any cozy autumn evening, this cheesecake will be a memorable part of your holiday dessert spread!
Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake – A Fall Dessert Favorite
Course: DESSERT8
servings15
minutes40
minutesIngredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers, crushed)
6 tablespoons butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake:
16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
For the Pumpkin Layer:
½ cup canned pumpkin puree
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For Serving:
Fresh piped whipped cream
Directions
- This Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake is the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin, making it an irresistible dessert for autumn gatherings. With a buttery graham cracker crust as the base, it features two delicious layers: a smooth, classic vanilla cheesecake topped with a lightly spiced pumpkin layer. Each bite offers a delightful contrast in flavors and textures, making it a festive and comforting treat that will be a hit at any holiday table.
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