A Fall Classic With A Twist! Spiced Pumpkin Maple Cheesecake
Autumn, the season of cozy sweaters, crisp air, and vibrant foliage, brings with it a myriad of delightful flavors. As the leaves turn golden and the aroma of spices fills the air, there's no better way to celebrate fall than by indulging in a sweet and satisfying dessert that captures the essence of the season. Today, we're excited to share a mouthwatering recipe that perfectly embodies the warmth and richness of fall: Spiced Pumpkin Maple Cheesecake.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup melted butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup maple syrup
For the Topping:
1 cup whipped cream
Crushed pecans or walnuts, for garnish
Additional maple syrup, for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves). Mix until well combined. Slowly pour in the maple syrup, continuing to mix until the filling is smooth and velvety.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the center is set. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for an hour. Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Top the cheesecake with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top. Drizzle with additional maple syrup for a final touch of sweetness.
Indulging in this Spiced Pumpkin Maple Cheesecake is like taking a bite out of autumn itself. The velvety texture, warm spices, and the richness of maple syrup blend together harmoniously, creating a dessert that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also captures the spirit of fall. So, gather your loved ones, savor the season, and treat yourself to this delectable autumn delight. Happy baking!