Thanksgiving Cheesecake: 7 Reasons to Love This Treat

novembre 11, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Thanksgiving is such a magical time of year, filled with family, laughter, and of course, delicious food! One of my all-time favorite desserts to bring to the table is my *thanksgiving cheesecake*. It’s rich, creamy, and has that perfect hint of pumpkin spice that truly embodies the spirit of the holiday. I remember the first time I made this cheesecake for my family gathering—it was a total hit! Everyone kept asking for seconds and thirds, and I felt like a superstar in the kitchen! This cheesecake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season, bringing warmth and sweetness to our holiday memories. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a Thanksgiving tradition in your home too!

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (crushed)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup sugar
4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese (softened)
1 cup pumpkin puree
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cheesecake

Preheat and Prepare the Crust

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 325°F (163°C). Trust me, you want it nice and warm for that cheesecake magic! While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your crushed graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix it until you’ve got a sandy texture. Now, take a 9-inch springform pan and press the mixture firmly into the bottom. Make sure it’s nice and even—this will be the base of your cheesecake, so show it some love!

Making the Cheesecake Filling

Now onto the star of the show: the filling! In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens! Make sure your cream cheese is softened; if it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps—nobody wants that! Once it’s all smooth, add in the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, and those warming spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until everything is just combined and silky. Don’t overdo it; just a few good whisks will do the trick!

Baking the Cheesecake

Now it’s time to pour that luscious filling over your crust in the springform pan. Spread it evenly so every slice gets the same deliciousness. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle—this is key for that creamy texture! Once it’s done, turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the cheesecake cool for about an hour in there. This helps prevent cracking! After that, transfer it to the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours before serving. Patience is a virtue, my friend, but I promise it’s worth the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a showstopper dessert that impresses family and friends at Thanksgiving gatherings.
Rich and creamy with a delightful pumpkin spice flavor that captures the essence of the season.
Easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Can be made a day in advance, so you can focus on other festive preparations.
Pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
Offers a unique twist on traditional pumpkin pie, adding a creamy texture that everyone will adore.
Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious and make for a sweet treat in the days following the holiday.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your *thanksgiving cheesecake* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and even your butter are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps achieve that smooth, lump-free filling we all desire!
Water Bath Magic: If you want to take it up a notch, consider baking your cheesecake in a water bath. It helps regulate the temperature and keeps the cheesecake from cracking. Just wrap your springform pan in foil to prevent water from seeping in!
Mix with Love: When combining your ingredients, mix just until they’re combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, and we want that lovely creaminess!
Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process! Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked helps prevent cracks on the surface. It’s all about that patience!
Chill Out: After baking, refrigerate your cheesecake for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can resist!). This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives it that perfect texture.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to wowing your guests with the best *thanksgiving cheesecake* they’ve ever tasted!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful *thanksgiving cheesecake*. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Calories: 350
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 7g

These values are just a guide, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect from this creamy, dreamy cheesecake. Enjoy every bite guilt-free this Thanksgiving!

FAQ Section

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

You absolutely can! In fact, I recommend making your *thanksgiving cheesecake* a day in advance. It not only saves you time on the big day, but it also gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or foil once it’s completely cooled to keep it fresh in the fridge.

**What can I serve with thanksgiving cheesecake?**

Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love to top my cheesecake with a generous dollop of whipped cream for that classic touch. You could also drizzle it with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness or even some chocolate ganache if you’re feeling indulgent! Fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of pecans can add a lovely festive flair, too. It’s all about what makes your taste buds dance!

How should I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers (which is a big if, trust me!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that creamy goodness intact. Simply place the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover the springform pan tightly with plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just remember, no need to reheat—enjoy it chilled right from the fridge!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your *thanksgiving cheesecake* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay tasty for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before covering it to avoid condensation. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They’ll be good for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. No reheating needed—enjoy it chilled for that creamy goodness!

Imprimer