Description
Spooky Halloween Cheesecake delivers spine-chilling delight with its ghoulish chocolate crust and eerie marshmallow ghost topping. Creamy, haunting layers promise a delectable treat that will bewitch dessert enthusiasts seeking seasonal sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
- 4 (8 ounces/226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 grams) canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Decorative Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Orange and black sprinkles
- Candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325F (163C), creating an ideal baking environment for the Halloween-themed dessert.
- Blend graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture achieves a uniform, sandy consistency.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even, compact base. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
- Using an electric mixer, whip softened cream cheese until it reaches a silky, lump-free texture.
- Gradually incorporate sugar into the cream cheese, mixing until the batter becomes smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in sour cream and heavy cream, ensuring thorough integration without overmixing.
- Introduce eggs one at a time, blending after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
- Incorporate vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until the filling appears uniform and vibrant.
- Carefully pour the spiced pumpkin filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates perfect doneness.
- Turn off the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for one hour.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Before serving, adorn the chilled cheesecake with whipped cream and festive Halloween-themed decorations like orange and black sprinkles or playful candy eyeballs.
Notes
- Crush graham crackers finely to ensure a compact, even crust that holds together perfectly when sliced.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends seamlessly.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the spices and balance the sweetness, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil before baking to prevent water from seeping in during a potential water bath method, which helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 416 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 189 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 123 mg