Pumpkin Cheesecake with Snickerdoodle Crust

Treat yourself to a slice of autumn with this creamy pumpkin cheesecake, featuring a unique snickerdoodle cookie crust. Follow these instructions for a festive dessert that’s sure to impress.

Equipment:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• 8-inch springform pan
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Crust Ingredients:

• 3 cups snickerdoodle cookies, crushed
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 12 ounces sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the Crust:

1. Mix the crushed snickerdoodle cookies with the melted butter until well combined.
2. Press this crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

For the Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese and sour cream together for a couple of minutes until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Gradually mix in the sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and eggs until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can introduce air bubbles that may cause cracking.
4. Retrieve the pan with the crust from the fridge and pour the filling into the crust.

Baking the Cheesecake:

1. Place the springform pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
2. Resist the temptation to open the oven door while baking, as sudden temperature changes can cause the cheesecake to crack.
3. Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
4. After cooling, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 8 hours, or overnight, to fully set.

This Pumpkin Cheesecake with Snickerdoodle Crust combines the warmth of pumpkin and spices with the sweet cinnamon flavor of snickerdoodles. It’s a perfect dessert to enjoy during the holiday season or whenever you crave the comforting taste of pumpkin spice. Enjoy!