Description
A luscious, creamy no-bake cheesecake with pumpkin spice goodness and a crunchy praline topping. Perfect for fall gatherings or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs (check your local store for brands like Pamela’s or Kinnikinnick)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Filling:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
Praline Topping:
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Mix the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl until it resembles damp sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Pop it into the fridge while you prep the filling.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Blend in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and spices. Mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture until smooth and airy.
- Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
3. Prepare the Praline Topping:
- Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt, then toss in the pecans, brown sugar, and salt.
- Stir constantly until the sugar melts and coats the pecans (about 3–4 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
4. Assemble:
- Once the cheesecake is firm, remove it from the springform pan and top it with the praline mixture.
- For extra pizzazz, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top.
Notes
Let the cheesecake chill overnight for best results. Praline topping can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (praline only)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~310
- Sugar: ~18g
- Sodium: ~120mg
- Fat: ~22g
- Saturated Fat: ~12g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~27g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~4g
- Cholesterol: ~60mg