My Favorite Things
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Okay people, we are talking NY style cheesecake here... but I did alter this recipe to reduce the fat for those health conscious people and I will say, you do not miss it...
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 3/4 cups Keebler Reduced Fat Cinnamon graham crackers crushed into crumbs (chocolate, honey or original flavor will work fine)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 3/4 stick salted butter, melted
Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages Neufchatel cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 (15-ounce) can pureed pumpkin
- 3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
The crust:
Prepare a 9-inch teflon spring form pan by wrapping the outer bottom of the pan in aluminum foil. In medium bowl crush graham crumbs and add the cinnamon and nutmeg. Add the melted butter and mix well with a spoon. Pour into the 9-inch spring form pan and press down flat and up the sides slightly. Set aside.
The filling:
Beat Neufchatel cheese until smooth in a mixer fitted with a paddle. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, sugar and the spices and mix till smooth. Add flour and vanilla. Beat together until well combined.
Pour cheese mixture into crust and spread out evenly. Place the wrapped spring form pan into a large baking pan with sides and fill the baking pan with water making a "bath" for your spring form pan. Bake in oven for 1 hour turn off heat and let cool in the oven. Remove from the oven wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
What Are Your Favorite Things?
Notes: Freshly grated nutmeg can be substituted with pre ground spice. I love the flavor of the fresh, so I always have that on hand.
The "bath" is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of the cheesecake from cracking on top. It works almost all the time, and do not over cook, as that can cause the crack too! If you mind it terribly, you can always put some whipped cream on top, or drizzle with chocolate or some shavings.. or top with a fruit compote or coulis.
