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Home » Recipes

Pumpkin Cheesecake (+ Other Holiday Recipes)

Pumpkin Cheesecake & Other Holiday Recipes on 100 Days of #RealFood #Thanksgiving #pumpkin

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Today I've got a tasty new recipe for you that happens to be the final installment in our blogger #RealFoodHoliday progressive dinner series! I don't know about you, but I've personally never been a fan of pumpkin pie (is anyone really?), but I do LOVE some pumpkin cheesecake.

Pumpkin Cheesecake & Other Holiday Recipes on 100 Days of #RealFood #Thanksgiving #pumpkin

I think this is such a great update to the traditional dessert we've all seen year after year, and with the pecan crust you can easily accommodate any gluten-free guests you might be entertaining.

For another holiday favorite, make this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread!

Pumpkin Cheesecake on 100 Days of #RealFood

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan Crust

I've never been a fan of pumpkin pie, but I do LOVE pumpkin cheesecake. I think this is such a great update to the dessert we've all seen year after year.
13 Reviews / 4.2 Average
Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
Cook Time: 1 hour hr
Total Time: 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course: Holiday, Treats
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Print Recipe
Servings: 8 people
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

For the Crust

  • 2 cups pecans (plus more for garnish if desired)
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter (softened)

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 1 pound cream cheese (softened, 2 - 8 ounce blocks)
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (found in the baking aisle)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree

For the Whipped Cream Topping

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • In a food processor, process the pecans and salt together to the consistency of coarse crumbs. You could also chop by hand. Mix in the softened butter until the crust mixture comes together.
  • Using your fingers, press the pecan crust into the bottom and sides of a pie pan until it's in one even layer. It helps if you get your fingers wet first. Bake the crust by itself until it turns a rich brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. When it's done, remove it from the oven and turn the temperature down to 350 degrees F.
  • Meanwhile, use an electric mixer to beat together the cream cheese and maple syrup until smooth. Add in the pumpkin pie spice and then one by one, add each of the eggs. Lastly, add the pumpkin puree and beat together just until mixed.
  • Pour the cream cheese mixture into the baked pie crust and stick it in the oven on 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Lower the heat to 325 and bake until the edges of the cheesecake are puffed and begin to brown, about 10 to 15 minutes more. Put the pie in the fridge and let it cool completely for several hours before adding the whipped cream.
  • To make the whipped cream, use an electric mixer to beat the cream and syrup together until fluffy. Use a pastry bag or cookie press with decorating tips to decorate the pie. See the picture just below for how I used the whipped cream to cover up some cracks in the surface! Garnish with chopped pecans if desired.

Notes

We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan Crust
Amount Per Serving
Calories 558 Calories from Fat 450
% Daily Value*
Fat 50g77%
Saturated Fat 20g125%
Cholesterol 159mg53%
Sodium 301mg13%
Potassium 322mg9%
Carbohydrates 23g8%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 17g19%
Protein 8g16%
Vitamin A 6025IU121%
Vitamin C 1.6mg2%
Calcium 126mg13%
Iron 1.6mg9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Want weekly REAL FOOD meal plans made for you?→ Check It Out

#RealFoodHoliday

So here's what this whole holiday progressive dinner thing is all about...a few of us food bloggers thought it would be a fun idea to take turns sharing a different real food recipe that you could add to your holiday table this year. And since I happen to be the last one on the list, here is a little summary of what's been featured so far:

  • Deliciously Organic: Apricot Zingers
  • Super Healthy Kids: Wild Rice Stuffing
  • $5 Dinners: Rosemary Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
  • Kitchen Stewardship: Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies
  • 100 Days of Real Food: Pumpkin Cheesecake (This dessert recipe of course!) :)
  • The Fresh 20: Apple Crumble
Pumpkin Cheesecake & Other Holiday Recipes on 100 Days of #RealFood #Thanksgiving #pumpkin

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7.4K shares

About Lisa Leake

Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and #1 New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.

Comments

  1. kay says

    November 27, 2014 at 11:08 pm

    5 stars
    This was a huge hit at our family Thanksgiving !!! My husband who does not like pecans said he even thought the pecan crust was good. My mother who doesn't like pumpkin pie loved it and the pumpkin pie fans even gave rave reviews too. So thanks for making me look like a good cook tonight. :).

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth says

    November 27, 2014 at 8:37 pm

    3 stars
    Good but had wayyyyy too many pecans. The pecans over powered the cheesecake.

    Reply
  3. Becky says

    November 27, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    I'm eating this right now and IT. IS. AMAZING!

    Thanks for a super easy, fantastic recipe!

    Reply
  4. Paulette says

    November 27, 2014 at 6:26 pm

    I made this today and it was fantastic! I made it
    with graham cracker crust b/c my son has nut
    allergies. It was just just the right level of sweetness
    for my family. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  5. MALIK SHARJEEL says

    November 26, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    nice plz visit http://www.clubsideeffects.com

    Reply
  6. Brenda says

    November 26, 2014 at 11:24 am

    Can you substitute stevia for maple syrup?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      December 01, 2014 at 10:43 am

      Hi Brenda. We've not tried making that substitution.

      Reply
  7. Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

    November 25, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Hi Barbara. We are rarely able to answer recipe questions in real time. If you are going to make it that far in advance, I would freeze it.

    Reply
  8. Ashley says

    November 24, 2014 at 9:48 am

    Thanks for your reply, Amy! I'm glad I didn't just make this change without asking first. I know that Lisa does have a recipe for individual cheesecakes on her website, so could I just follow that recipe and make one big cheesecake instead of several small?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 26, 2014 at 10:30 am

      Hi Ashley. While I've not tried a full size cheesecake from that recipe, I think that should work just fine. ;)

      Reply
  9. Jennifer says

    November 23, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    I am not a pumpkin pie person either, but love cheesecake, I am going to try this this year, but it's just my husband and 2 daughters this year. I really don't want to have left overs... Or I will eat the whole thing. Can I freeze the rest of the pie? If so how long do you think it will last in freezer? Or can I make mini, like cupcake size cheesecakes and freeze them as well. Thank you so much for all that you do! I absolutely love your website!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  10. Jennifer says

    November 22, 2014 at 9:06 pm

    I ate at a national chain restaurant today only because that's what my daughter wanted for her birthday. We had the most delicious pumpkin cheesecake but I know it was not the best choice. I'd like to make your recipe here and freeze it. The one we had today seemed like it had been frozen and I loved the texture of it. Would this recipe freeze well and be good right out of the freezer?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 26, 2014 at 10:29 am

      Hi Jennifer. It should freeze well. You will need to allow time for it to soften a bit from the freezer. ~Amy

      Reply
  11. Nicole says

    November 22, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    Looks delicious! Can I bake in a spring form pan? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 26, 2014 at 11:01 am

      Hi Nicole. I don't see why not. :)

      Reply
      • Nicole says

        November 26, 2014 at 1:19 pm

        Thanks Amy! I made it last night in a spring form pan with a water bath to help with cracking. It looks (and smells!) delicious! Had to hide it in the fridge to make sure no one eats it before tomorrow. : )

  12. Barbara says

    November 22, 2014 at 12:09 pm

    inwant to make this tomorrow (Sunday) for thanksgiving. Will it keep that long?

    Reply
  13. Ashley says

    November 20, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    I made this recipe last week, and it was definitely a hit!!! I love that it's not overly sweet and that the crust is made from pecans (YUM)! If I wanted to make a plain cheesecake, could I follow this same recipe and just omit the pumpkin?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 24, 2014 at 9:07 am

      Hi there. The pumpkin is a big ingredient in this recipe. Omitting it would change the consistency a lot.

      Reply
  14. Elizabeth petersheim says

    November 19, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    Any idea how long this keeps? Could I make it Wednesday morning and just add the whipped cream right before serving it on Thursday?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 20, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      Hi Elizabeth. Yes, you can definitely do that. :)

      Reply
  15. Katie says

    November 19, 2014 at 12:42 pm

    Yum! I've been looking for a pumpkin cheesecake recipe and I love that this calls for maple syrup instead of white sugar.

    Reply
  16. Meredith says

    November 18, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    Thanks for offering up this recipe! My husband absolutely hates pumpkin pie-- and pretty much anything with pumpkin! But I would love to make this cheesecake (without the pumpkin in it) so I may try to fiddle around with this recipe to see if I can turn it into a cheesecake he'll eat, haha. And I love the idea of using nuts for a crust!

    Reply
  17. Karen Peterson says

    November 17, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    These Thanksgiving recipes look divine! Here's another idea to share... I have a FREE PRINTABLE to set the tone for a very thankful celebration with family and friends this Thanksgiving. It's designed to get your guests thinking about and sharing the special qualities that they love about those around the Thanksgiving table. Just print out the template and then let each guest write down what they love about the others... easy as that! Then start your meal with each guest reading the list of things others love about them... what a warm way to start a visit and focus on the people we are so thankful for!!
    Find this FREE PRINTABLE at http://simplyfunfamilies.com/celebrate-american-thanksgiving-with-this-free-printable/

    Reply
  18. Kathleen says

    November 16, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    Just made this today and it was delicious. Crust was a little crumbly, but very tasty. I had extra filling and made a separate smaller pie to freeze for later. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  19. Allison says

    November 16, 2014 at 8:16 am

    I'm wondering if the butter for the crust needs to be completely melted or just softened as in room temperature?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 17, 2014 at 9:04 pm

      Hi Allison. Just softened. :)

      Reply
  20. Kimberly Smith says

    November 15, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    Can you freeze the leftovers? It's just my husband and I and I don't want us to eat the whole pie ourselves :)

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 17, 2014 at 8:34 pm

      Hi Kimberly. It should freeze well. ~Amy

      Reply
  21. christy says

    November 13, 2014 at 9:14 pm

    What size pie pan do you have? Do you have a link to to buy it? I just have a regular size one I guess because all of my filling wouldn't fit..only half of it would! It smells delish though! I may try halving the recipe of the filling next time (unless I can find a deeper pie pan). Thanks for all of your great recipes! Love your cookbook! :)

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 24, 2014 at 8:51 am

      Hi there. A ten inch pan works well. We don't have a link for this particular one, however. You can find similar ones wherever ceramic bake ware is sold. :)

      Reply
  22. Kristin says

    November 13, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    In regards to your pumpkin pie comment Lisa, I love it as does everyone else in my family of five. Just made a pumpkin pie last weekend for dessert of the week. I have always roasted my own pumpkin, but this year I finally made my own evaporated milk as well. Yeah, organic and Carageenen free! It was delish! Sadly, I am the only one who likes cheesecake, and we live in Wisconsin, crazy huh. I'll have to give this recipe a try when I have to take dessert somewhere. I love nut crusts on cheesecakes!

    Reply
  23. Jayle S. says

    November 13, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    I am pretty sure for making a cheesecake - you place a shallow dish of water in the bottom of the oven to keep it from cracking.

    Reply
  24. Ana says

    November 13, 2014 at 9:34 am

    I'm wondering if the crust can be made with a different type of nut? We have a food allergy to pecans.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      November 13, 2014 at 5:23 pm

      Walnuts or hazelnuts are both good crust options, otherwise I'm sure a traditional graham cracker crust would work fine. I prefer homemade graham crackers. Ginger snaps would probably make a fabulous crust as well.

      Reply
  25. Gina says

    November 12, 2014 at 11:15 pm

    How do you make pumpkin puree?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      November 13, 2014 at 5:46 pm

      Wash a pie pumpkin cut in half and scoop out the seeds. Roast on a jelly roll pan in a 490 degree oven for 1 hour (I roast skin side up). Let cool pumpkin cool slightly, scout out flesh and purée with an immersion blender or food processor. Let cool in the fridge and dump out the accumulated juices or strain juices out over a bowl in a cheesecloth lined strainer. This gives the puréed pumpkin the thicker consistency of canned pumpkin.

      A standard pie pumpkin usually yields 3-4 cups of pumpkin purée.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 13, 2014 at 5:49 pm

        Oops, roast in a 400 DEGREE oven.

  26. LL says

    November 12, 2014 at 11:14 pm

    If it is cracked, it's over baked. I made cheesecakes for years before just learning this.

    Reply
  27. Alicia E. says

    November 12, 2014 at 2:49 pm

    Could you use honey in place of the maple syrup? Would you have to alter the amount?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 17, 2014 at 3:26 pm

      Hi Alicia. You can exchange it 1:1. :)

      Reply
  28. Christina says

    November 12, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    Looks wonderful! Our daughter has an egg allergy, do you think flax-eggs or egg substitute could be used instead?

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 17, 2014 at 3:22 pm

      Hi Christina. I've used flax eggs successfully many times but not in a recipe that called for this many eggs. It would be an experiment. This thread might help: http://www.thekitchn.com/what-is-the-best-substitute-for-eggs-when-baking-176707. ~Amy

      Reply
  29. Joelle says

    November 12, 2014 at 12:37 pm

    This looks like a wonderful option for my gluten-sensitive teenager! Did you make a puree from a baked pumpkin? Could I use canned pumpkin? (Our local grocer stocks an organic canned pumpkin.)

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      November 17, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      Hi Joelle. You can use a canned pumpkin puree. Lisa did. :)

      Reply
  30. Steph says

    November 12, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    Any ideas for a crust that doesn't have nuts? We have a nut allergy to work around.

    Reply
    • Carrie says

      November 13, 2014 at 2:57 pm

      Yes! Any ideas would be awesome! My brother and I are both also severely allergic! Thank you!

      Reply
    • Jin says

      November 14, 2014 at 2:24 am

      I'm wondering the same thing. My son is allergic to nuts, too. I wonder if crushed sunflower seeds would work?

      Reply
    • Critical Reader says

      November 15, 2014 at 2:00 am

      You can replace the nuts by plain cookies like Graham Crackers, butter cookies or something alike. That's a crust frequently used for cheesecake. A sweet quiche dough works too (flour, butter, sugar, egg, some water).

      Reply
  31. Valerie says

    November 12, 2014 at 11:42 am

    I agree with you regarding the pumpkin pie! It is my daughters favorite and I am always asking her if she is bored with it! I certainly am and did add cream cheese last year. Will definitely try yours this year! Yumm!!

    Reply
  32. Trace says

    November 12, 2014 at 11:33 am

    Looks amazing! But we all LOVE pumpkin pie too!!!

    Reply
  33. Susan Spencer says

    November 12, 2014 at 11:23 am

    This sounds awesome. It also sounds like a good substitute crust for your pecan pie!

    Reply
  34. Jaime says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:50 am

    5 stars
    WOW! Gluten-free and delicious- I'm ready for the holidays!

    Reply
  35. MonicaB says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:46 am

    If you don't want the cracks in the cheesecake, sometimes it helps to put a dish of water in the oven while baking. But I usually just use the whip cream to cover up too! This recipe looks wonderful, I'm hosting desert for thanksgiving, I will have to try the filling and figure out a different crust (no nuts here).

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      November 12, 2014 at 11:52 am

      I've read that too about the water, but agree it's easier to just cover it up with whipped cream :)

      Reply
      • Gail says

        December 01, 2014 at 1:10 am

        Martha Stewart says when the cheesecake is done, to turn off the oven, and let it cool off in the oven for TWO HOURS, NO OPENING THE OVEN, and it will be crack free. Then pull out, bring to room temp, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing.

  36. Daniela says

    November 12, 2014 at 7:42 am

    this recipe looks good and I love pumpkin pie!

    Reply
  37. Maryea {happy healthy mama} says

    November 12, 2014 at 6:33 am

    Oh my--pumpkin pie is my absolute favorite! Hands down my favorite part of Thanksgiving. I'll forgive you for not liking it though. ;-) This looks like a fabulous dessert, too.

    Reply
  38. Erica says

    November 11, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    We love pumpkin pie! Do you really think people don't?

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      November 12, 2014 at 11:53 am

      Yes, I really wonder how people can like pumpkin pie - not my dessert of choice at all! LOL

      Reply
  39. Kim says

    November 11, 2014 at 9:47 pm

    This looks delicious but did you really ask if anyone really loves pumpkin pie? For real? In our family, pumpkin pie is one of our absolute favorites! We right over who gets the last piece. (And I make two for Thanksgiving .)

    Reply
    • Ali says

      November 12, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Yes, I thought that was an odd comment as well! My son, who doesn't like desserts, loves pumpkin pie!

      Reply
      • Kim says

        November 13, 2014 at 12:52 pm

        Here too. I have three sons, two of whom are picky, picky, picky. But they all love pumpkin pie. With real whipped cream! I use my grandmother's very simple recipe. Yum yum!

  40. Kari @ Cooking with Toddlers says

    November 11, 2014 at 9:04 pm

    Everything on the list looks wonderful and I think I'll have to make the cake this weekend; looks so good!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      November 11, 2014 at 9:05 pm

      Enjoy! :)

      Reply
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Meet Lisa! Lisa is a best-selling cookbook author, wife, mother, and passionate home cook. Lisa began blogging in 2010 and has created a community of millions of people who share her love of healthy living, real food ingredients, and family recipes.

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