Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Recipe

When it comes to fall desserts, nothing quite captures the season like the combination of pumpkin and warm spices.

This Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake brings together the creamy indulgence of classic cheesecake with the cozy flavors of spiced pumpkin for a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.

With its marbled design, velvety texture, and balanced sweetness, this cheesecake is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your holiday table or any autumn gathering.

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My Opinion

I truly adore this recipe because it manages to combine two of my absolute favorite desserts into one. The creaminess of the cheesecake paired with the subtle spiced pumpkin swirl makes each bite feel like fall on a fork.

What really stands out to me is how beautiful the finished cake looks with those marbled pumpkin swirls—it’s one of those desserts that looks far more complicated than it really is.

When I made this cheesecake, my kitchen was filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, and my family couldn’t wait for it to cool. The flavor is decadent yet perfectly balanced, and the texture holds up beautifully even after chilling overnight.

It’s become one of my go-to recipes for entertaining because it always gets rave reviews and feels like such a seasonal treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🎃 Combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with cozy pumpkin spice flavors.
• 🎨 Stunning swirl pattern makes it a showstopper dessert for gatherings.
• 🥄 Easy to make with basic ingredients and simple steps.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or holidays.
• ❄️ Can be made ahead and chilled overnight for even better flavor.

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Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor or blender (if making pumpkin puree from scratch)
• Baking sheet (to catch drips)
• Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)
• Cooling rack
• Large cake server for slicing

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Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and, if desired, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips while baking.
2. Make the Crust
   In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, using the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed cup to create an even crust. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a silky batter.
4. Make the Pumpkin Batter
   Divide the cheesecake batter in half. In one portion, stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
5. Create the Swirl
   Pour half of the plain cheesecake batter over the prepared crust. Add spoonfuls of the pumpkin mixture on top, then swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect. Repeat with the remaining batters, alternating plain and pumpkin layers, and swirl again for a beautiful pattern.
6. Bake the Cheesecake
   Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly and the edges appear puffed. Avoid overbaking, as the cheesecake will continue to firm up as it cools.
7. Cool and Chill
   Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 1 hour. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to fully set.
8. Serve and Enjoy
   Slice with a clean, sharp knife (wiping between cuts for neat slices) and serve chilled. Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or spiced nuts for extra indulgence.

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Variations

• Spiced Pumpkin Kick: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to intensify the fall flavors.
• Nut Crust: Replace some graham crumbs with crushed pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Divide the batter into lined muffin tins for individual servings.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour in place of traditional crumbs.

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What to Serve With Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

• Beverages: Spiced chai, warm apple cider, or a cozy pumpkin spice latte. For festive gatherings, a spiced rum cocktail or dessert wine pairs beautifully.
• Sides: A crisp fall salad or spiced roasted nuts to balance the richness.
• Companion Desserts: Apple crisp, pecan pie, or a simple vanilla ice cream scoop to complement the flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I let the cheesecake cool before serving?
Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For the best texture, chill overnight.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices tightly wrapped and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake?
Yes. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

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Conclusion

This Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake is more than just dessert—it’s a centerpiece for your fall celebrations.

With its creamy texture, spiced pumpkin flavor, and stunning swirl pattern, it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort.

Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving dinner or a casual fall gathering, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy every guest.

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Category: Dessert, Holiday, Fall Recipes

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