Pumpkin Cheesecake (Creamy, No-Crack Fall Showstopper)
Pumpkin cheesecake is the ultimate fall showstopper — creamy spiced pumpkin filling on a gingersnap crust, crack-free thanks to a water bath and slow cool. Use pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling), don’t overbeat, and pull it while the center jiggles. It’s like the best parts of pumpkin pie and cheesecake in one.
The Quick Version
- Pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
- Gingersnap crust is the classic (graham works too).
- Water bath + slow cool for a smooth, crack-free top.
- Chill 6+ hours before slicing.
How to make it
- Bake the gingersnap crust 10 minutes; wrap the pan in foil.
- Beat cream cheese + brown sugar, then pumpkin, sour cream, spice and vanilla; add eggs one at a time on low.
- Bake in a water bath 70–85 min until the center jiggles.
- Cool slowly, then chill 6+ hours. Top with whipped cream.
Foolproof tip: blot the pumpkin puree with a paper towel if it looks watery — removing excess moisture keeps the cheesecake dense and sliceable rather than soft.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use pumpkin pie filling?
No — use pure pumpkin puree. Pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced and makes it too sweet and watery.
How do you prevent cracking?
Water bath, don’t overbeat, pull while it jiggles, and cool slowly with the oven door cracked.
What crust is best?
Gingersnap is classic; graham (with a little cinnamon) also works. Bake 10 minutes before filling.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325F (165C). Press the crumb-butter crust into a 9-inch springform and bake 10 minutes. Wrap the outside in foil.
- Beat the cream cheese and brown sugar smooth, then beat in the pumpkin, sour cream, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time on low, just until combined.
- Pour over the crust and bake in a water bath 70-85 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, cool 1 hour, then chill at least 6 hours. Top with whipped cream.
More cheesecakes
See our classic baked cheesecake, or browse more fall & seasonal bakes.
