Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert You Need to Try!

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Daily Culinary Pleasures

Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

If you’re searching for a dessert that brings together warm pumpkin flavor, silky cheesecake creaminess, and a luscious golden caramel topping… you’re in the right place! Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake is one of the most irresistible fall desserts you can make for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy autumn nights.

In this article, you’ll find a complete recipe, detailed steps, professional baking tips, storage instructions, and built-in SEO keywords to boost your website’s ranking.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

This dessert is beloved for its rich layers and comforting fall flavors:

  • A sweet, buttery graham cracker crust
  • A creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling infused with cinnamon and warm spices
  • A glossy homemade caramel sauce poured generously on top

It’s not only delicious—it’s simple, reliable, and perfect for beginners. You can even prepare it ahead of time, making it great for events or weekends.

Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake
Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

Ingredients for Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

1. Ingredients for the Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2. Ingredients for the Cheesecake Layer

  • 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pumpkin purée
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

3. Ingredients for the Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake
Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

How to Make Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

  1. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar; mix until fluffy.
  3. Add sour cream and pumpkin purée, mixing until fully combined.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid over-beating.
  5. Mix in the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake (Water Bath Method)

To prevent cracks and keep the cheesecake silky:

  1. Place the cheesecake pan inside a larger baking dish.
  2. Pour hot water into the larger dish (halfway up the sides).
  3. Bake for 60–70 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
  4. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  5. Then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).

How to Make the Caramel Sauce

  1. Heat the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns amber.
  2. Add the butter and stir until completely melted.
  3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble). Stir until smooth.
  4. Let the sauce cool, then drizzle it over the cheesecake.

Serving Your Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

For the perfect presentation:

  • Pour a generous layer of caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon or top with toasted pecans for extra texture.
  • Serve cold for the creamiest texture.

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Always use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
  • Don’t overmix the eggs—this prevents cracking.
  • A water bath ensures a perfectly creamy cheesecake.
  • Chill the cheesecake overnight for the best flavor and structure.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months (wrap tightly)

FAQ – Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

Can I replace pumpkin purée with fresh pumpkin?

Yes! Just cook and blend fresh pumpkin until smooth.

Do I have to use caramel?

No—feel free to use chocolate, maple syrup, or whipped cream instead.

Why does cheesecake crack?

Usually because of over-mixing, baking at high heat, or skipping the water bath.


Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake

This Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake combines rich pumpkin flavors, creamy cheesecake, and a luscious caramel topping, making it a perfect fall dessert for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Dessert, Sweet
Cuisine American, Fall
Servings 12 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer

  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened Use room temperature for a smooth filling.
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • cup granulated sugar
  • 1 can pumpkin purée (15 oz)
  • 4 large eggs Add one at a time to prevent over-mixing.
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream Be careful as it will bubble when added.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • Combine the graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Making the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

  • Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar; mix until fluffy.
  • Add sour cream and pumpkin purée, mixing until fully combined.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid over-beating.
  • Mix in the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the filling over the cooled crust.

Baking

  • To prevent cracks and keep the cheesecake silky, place the cheesecake pan inside a larger baking dish.
  • Pour hot water into the larger dish halfway up the sides.
  • Bake for 60–70 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
  • Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).

Making the Caramel Sauce

  • Heat the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns amber.
  • Add the butter and stir until completely melted.
  • Slowly pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble). Stir until smooth.
  • Let the sauce cool, then drizzle it over the cheesecake.

Serving

  • Pour a generous layer of caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon or top with toasted pecans for extra texture.
  • Serve cold for the creamiest texture.

Notes

Chill the cheesecake overnight for the best flavor and structure. Always use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
Keyword Caramel Sauce, cheesecake, Fall Recipes, Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake, Pumpkin Dessert

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