November 1, 2009 at 8:29 pm

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE
Servings: 8+
I found this sinful pumpkin cheesecake on the Pioneer Woman’s ever so popular food blog! I’d never ever baked a cheesecake or pumpkin pie in my life so I was VERY happy with the end product! The recipe is a bit time consuming but very ez to make and believe me when I say this delicious slice of heaven is so worth it!
Ingredients:
CRUST
12 oz of gingersnaps [store bought is fine]
1/2 cup chopped pecans
6 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
FILING
4 (8 0z. packages) of cream cheese
1-½ cup sugar
1 [15oz] can pumpkin puree
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
½ tsp nutmeg
4 eggs
2 tbs heavy cream
1 (12 oz.) jar caramel topping
GARNISH
extra chopped pecans
Directions:
1. Make CRUST:
- In a food processor (or large ziploc bag) crush gingersnps.
- Add chopped pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt, and pulse (or mix) until thoroughly combined.
- Press into bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan.
- Chill for 20-30 minutes.



2. Make FILING:
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add pumpkin and spices and mix again.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition.
- Add cream and mix until just combined.





3. Put this baby together:
- Remove crust from fridge.
- Pour 1/2 jar of caramel topping on crust. [this step can be omitted, but why would you?!]
- Sprinkle caramel with chopped pecans.
- Gently pour cheesecake filling into pan, even out the top with a flat spatula.


4. BAKE it!
- Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until no longer soupy. Cheesecake should still be somewhat jiggly.
- Cool on counter for 30 minutes, after 30 minutes, pour the rest of the caramel topping over the top.
- Smooth with a flat spatula until evenly smooth.
- Cover and chill cheesecake for another four hours or overnight.




5. EAT it!
- When ready to serve, remove rim from pan and slice.
- Sprinkle each slice with extra chopped pecans.
- ENJOY!!!!
