Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

by Lacy
(Toronto)

I really like this pumpkin cheesecake recipe. It's perfect for any event October - December. I've made it for Thanksgiving several times. I tried using this recipe without the pumpkin and it didn't work so well, so if you'd rather not have the pumpkin it's best to just find a regular cheese cake recipe.

1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup finely ground pecans
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 stick butter, melted
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, pecans, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir well to blend. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch spring form pan.

Combine the cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the nutmeg in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until fluffy. Add the eggs and yolks, beating on low speed until just blended. Fold in the cream and pumpkin purée.

Pour the batter into the crust-lined pan, and place on a baking sheet. Bake until the center is nearly set, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes. Carefully run a small, sharp knife between the cake and the sides of the pan. Release the sides of the pan and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cover the cheesecake tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours, before serving

Makes one 9-inch cake to serve 10 to 12