Decadent Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake with Heavenly White Chocolate Frosting
Indulge in the luscious flavors of fall with this show-stopping baked cheesecake that combines rich cream cheese, spiced pumpkin puree, and a delightful ginger cookie crust. The marbled pumpkin cream cheese filling creates a beautiful visual treat, while the light and airy white chocolate frosting takes this dessert to the next level. Perfectly suited for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or any special occasion, this cheesecake is sure to impress family and friends. Every slice offers a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups (Crushed into fine crumbs)
Cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (Ground)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon (Optional, ground)
Butter
1/3 cup (Melted)
Cream cheese
3 (8-ounce) packages (Low-fat, softened)
White sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Pure)
Eggs
4 (Room temperature)
Pumpkin puree
1 (28-ounce) can
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Clove
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Whipping cream
1 cup (Heavy whipping cream)
Icing sugar
1/2 cup (Powdered)
White chocolate pudding mix
2 tablespoons (Dry mix)
Cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon
White chocolate baking squares
12 (Optional, for decoration)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the cheesecake filling by beating the cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to avoid incorporating too much air. Once all eggs are added, set aside half of the filling in a separate bowl.
4
To the remaining filling, add the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Mix well until fully incorporated.
5
Chill both bowls of filling in the refrigerator while you prepare the crust.
6
For the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin pie spice (if using), and melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
7
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased springform pan, ensuring it is compact and even.
8
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly.
9
To create the marbled effect, pour the pumpkin filling over the baked crust, followed by spoonfuls of the plain filling. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the fillings together, creating a beautiful marble design.
10
For a smoother bake, place a pan filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven. This will help steam the cheesecake and prevent cracks during baking.
11
Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is slightly set but still jiggly.
12
After baking, remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a knife around the edge of the pan to help prevent cracking as it cools. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
13
For the frosting, place a chilled bowl and beaters in the refrigerator. Once chilled, beat the whipping cream until frothy.
14
Gradually sprinkle in the icing sugar, white chocolate pudding mix, and cream of tartar. Continue whipping until soft peaks form and the mixture is thick and fluffy.
15
Spread the white chocolate frosting evenly over the chilled cheesecake. If desired, decorate with white chocolate baking squares for an extra touch of elegance.
16
Slice and serve this delightful cheesecake to your guests. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake?
It is a baked cheesecake featuring a ginger cookie crust, a marbled pumpkin and cream cheese filling, and a light white chocolate frosting.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust requires graham cracker crumbs, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, optional pumpkin pie spice, and melted butter.
How do you achieve the marbled effect in the filling?
Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust, drop spoonfuls of the plain filling on top, and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl them together.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do you prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Place a pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam, and run a knife around the edge of the pan immediately after baking.
How long does the cheesecake need to bake?
The cheesecake should bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is slightly set but still jiggly.
How long should the cheesecake chill before serving?
It needs to refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferred for the best texture.
What is in the Heavenly White Chocolate Frosting?
The frosting is made from heavy whipping cream, icing sugar, dry white chocolate pudding mix, and cream of tartar.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, this recipe specifically calls for three 8-ounce packages of low-fat cream cheese.
Should the eggs be at room temperature?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 4 room temperature eggs for easier mixing.
What spices are added to the pumpkin portion of the filling?
The pumpkin filling is seasoned with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
How is the crust prepared before adding the filling?
The crust mixture is pressed firmly into a springform pan and baked for 10 minutes at 350°F.
What is the secret to a fluffy frosting?
Chill the bowl and beaters in the refrigerator before whipping the cream to ensure it becomes thick and fluffy.
Do I use prepared pudding or dry mix for the frosting?
You should use 2 tablespoons of dry white chocolate pudding mix.
What kind of pumpkin is used?
The recipe uses one 28-ounce can of pumpkin puree.
Is the vanilla extract specified?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
What kind of sugar goes into the cheesecake batter?
Granulated white sugar is used for the cheesecake filling.
How many packages of cream cheese are required?
Three 8-ounce packages of cream cheese are needed.
What is the role of cream of tartar in this recipe?
It is used in the frosting to help stabilize the whipped cream and maintain soft peaks.
Can I add decorations to the top?
Yes, you can decorate the top with 12 white chocolate baking squares for extra elegance.
Is the pumpkin pie spice in the crust mandatory?
No, the pumpkin pie spice in the crust is listed as an optional ingredient.
How should I mix the eggs into the batter?
Add them one at a time and mix gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking.
What type of pan is required for this cheesecake?
A greased springform pan is used to allow for easy removal of the cheesecake.
How do I prepare the graham crackers?
They should be crushed into 1 1/2 cups of fine crumbs.
What should I do with the fillings while the crust bakes?
Chill both the plain cream cheese filling and the pumpkin filling in the refrigerator.
Is this cheesecake suitable for holidays?
Yes, its fall flavors and elegant appearance make it perfect for holiday gatherings or birthdays.
How much butter is used in the crust?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of melted butter.
Does the recipe use powdered sugar?
Yes, 1/2 cup of icing sugar (powdered sugar) is used specifically in the frosting.
What type of cream is used for the frosting?
One cup of heavy whipping cream is required.
Is the cheesecake crust only graham crackers?
No, it is a ginger cookie style crust made with graham crackers, cinnamon, and ginger.