Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake
Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake is a luscious fall dessert that masterfully combines rich chocolate with creamy pumpkin and warm autumn spices. This indulgent cheesecake boasts a smooth, velvety texture and a perfectly balanced sweetness and spice, making it ideal for holiday celebrations, cozy gatherings, or any time you want to enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with crust substitution)
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or spiced cookies
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers or spiced cookies until fine. Mix with melted butter and brown sugar, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even crust layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Melt the Chocolate: Gently melt semi-sweet chocolate using a double boiler or short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Allow to cool slightly before adding to the filling to prevent curdling the cream cheese.
- Mix the Filling: Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and lump-free. Gradually add pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, sour cream, and spices, mixing until creamy. Fold in the melted chocolate carefully, mixing just until well combined.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. This slow bake helps prevent cracking.
- Cool and Chill: Let cheesecake cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and deepen flavors.
Notes
- Use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating excess air, which can cause cracks.
- Consider using a water bath during baking to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.
- Cool cheesecake gradually at room temperature before refrigerating to avoid cracking.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal without damaging edges or crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake, fall dessert, pumpkin cheesecake, autumn dessert, holiday dessert