Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake w/ A Ginger Snap Crust
Dare I say it… I’m not a fan of pumpkin pie. To blend in with the crowd at Thanksgiving dinners, I would douse my slice of this trademark dessert with whipped cream. So thank you, to this ingenious idea of fusing together the pumpkin infatuation on Thanksgiving with a more alluring dessert.
It was bound to happen. Someone eventually had the courage to speak up and take initiative against the tradition. My first encounter was at my first job as a waitress at California Pizza Kitchen. It was during my early years in college and I had been eating my fair share of pumpkin pies begrudgingly for 18 years. As November approached, CPK announced the launch of their newest seasonal dessert — the pumpkin cheesecake. The smooth, rich, creaminess of a decadent cheesecake with a hint of pumpkin and cinnamon spice was enough to convince me to share this innovation at every Thanksgiving feast.
| 24 | ginger snaps |
| 24 | ounces cream cheese, softened |
| 1 | cup pumpkin puree |
| 3 | eggs |
| 1 | cup brown sugar |
| 1 | tsp vanilla extract |
| 1/2 | tsp cinnamon |
| 1/2 | tsp nutmeg |
| 1/4 | ground cloves |
| 24 | baking cups |
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Next, add pumpkin puree, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Mix thoroughly.
- Line muffin tin with individual baking cups and drop one ginger snap at the bottom of each cup. Pour filling into each mold to the top. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the cheesecake. Cool to room temperature and lightly brush the tops with maple syrup. Refrigerate overnight. Serve with candied walnuts and whipped topping.
November 25th, 2009 at 13:35
Long time fan, first time commenting. I love every dish that you’ve posted. It’s like we’ve been friends for 15 years or something!?! You really speak to my stomach. Speaking of stomachs…mine is already feeling the Thanksgiving bludge. Have any ideas for easy and light, non-salad, meals for post-Thanksgiving dinner from one pumpkin cheesecake lover to another? Thanks and keep up the great work!
November 25th, 2009 at 14:23
Thanks for sharing this terrific recipe! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
November 28th, 2009 at 23:23
As a tradition, my Aunt Martha always made pumpkin ice cream, which in my happy taste-memories was far superior to any pumpkin ice cream, ever.
I think she ACTUALLY made a frozen pumpkin cheesecake, because this sounds divine.
Thanks!
November 29th, 2009 at 14:11
@Jerice: You just gave me a great idea for my next pumpkin recipe! A frozen pumpkin custard sounds delicious. Thanks so much for dropping by
November 29th, 2009 at 14:11
@Christine: Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
November 29th, 2009 at 14:14
@Joy C.: It’s about time I saw you on here! I’ll have to think long and hard about “easy and light, non-salad meals” because we all know I’m not a fan of diets. Thanks for the challenge
November 30th, 2009 at 20:00
I love miniature desserts, not only because they are easy to serve but for some reason in my twisted food loving mind, I feel less guilty eating them
December 2nd, 2009 at 15:26
Great little recipe. Now I have to wait for the next pumpkin season! gahhhh….
December 2nd, 2009 at 15:31
@Penny: It’s not too late! They always sells pumpkin puree at the grocery stores.
December 3rd, 2009 at 14:43
It looks so yummy! I will try it for Christmas
December 3rd, 2009 at 15:18
@Paul: Enjoy the recipe! I’d love to hear about how it works out for you
December 5th, 2009 at 20:27
These are a real treat. Can we have them again, Dhale!
December 7th, 2009 at 10:47
@Maggie: Glad you guys enjoyed this pumpkin cheesecake. I might just make this again for our Christmas dinner per your request. We’ll see
… I may just feature a whole new dessert!
November 24th, 2011 at 09:50
Wish everyone a Safe and Joyful Thanksgiving! I lost this recipe this past summer and am so thankful it was posted.
Just so everyone knows how good these are: My husband took a batch to a friend of our who happens to be one of the local cops, well our friend popped one in his mouth and looked at my husband, drew his gun and told him ” tell the Ole Lady I’ll be there at sundown, she better make another batch for me” LOL