Pumpkin Maple Cheesecake

Pumpkin Maple Pecan Cheesecake

Instead of having pie over your holiday season try cheesecake!  It's super fluffy, velvety and luscious with that pumpkin spice flavor you just can't miss.  Not too sweet and topped with a maple glaze that will have you singing for the holidays.  Grab a slice or two and bring to share with friends and family.

Tip: this cheesecake is so fluffy that it must stay in the fridge overnight.  I only let it set for six hours and it was a little crumbly after slicing into it.  But it still tasted delicious! 

Pumpkin Maple Pecan Cheesecake Recipe

Adapted from Anne Thornton

Ingredients

Cheesecake:
10 cinnamon graham crackers, finely ground (1 1/3 cups crumbs)
1/4 cup sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin puree
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Maple Pecan Glaze:
1 cup heavy cream
2/3 cup pure maple syrup
3/4 cup pecan pieces

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

For the crust: Here's a super-easy no-fuss way to make this crust. Break the graham crackers into a food processor with the sugar. Pulse until the crumbs resemble fine meal. Pour the crumbs into a 9-inch springform pan. Pour the melted butter over the mixture, bring together with your fingers and press into the bottom of the pan.

For the cheesecake: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on high speed until fluffy. Reduce the speed and, with the mixer running, add the eggs. Increase the speed to incorporate the eggs. Add in the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk and maple syrup. Next, add in the cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Beat the mixture for awhile; this will make the cheesecake light and fluffy. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared crust. Tap the pan lightly on the work surface to remove any air pockets.

Bake until the center appears nearly set, but jiggles a little when shaken, 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool for 1 hour. Cover and chill overnight.

For the glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream and maple syrup and bring to a boil. Boil until slightly thickened, 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the pecan pieces. Cover and chill. Stir together before serving.

To serve: Spoon the maple pecan glaze over the cheesecake.