Turtle Pumpkin Cheesecake for Fall – Easy Cheesecake Recipes Everyone Loves
This Turtle Pumpkin Cheesecake is what happens when fall desserts get dressed up in their Sunday best. It's a warm hug of pumpkin spice wrapped in creamy cheesecake, all topped with drizzles of caramel and a lazy handful of pecans. I mean, who invited elegance to the Thanksgiving table, right?
But here's the kicker—it’s actually really easy. Like, shockingly easy. The kind of dessert that makes guests gasp, but you’ll know you whipped it together in under 30 minutes. It hits that perfect sweet spot of rich and light, festive but fuss-free.
If you love pumpkin, cheesecake, and the magic that happens when they cozy up under a turtle topping, grab your springform pan. We're baking up something unforgettable—no pastry chef hat required.
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed gingersnap cookies
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Caramel sauce, for topping
- Chocolate sauce, for topping
- Whipped cream, optional for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or wrap the base in foil if you’re using a water bath.
- Combine the crushed gingersnap cookies with the melted butter and press into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla and mix well.
- Add in the pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Beat until combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter over the crust in the springform pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes or until the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door. Let the cheesecake sit in the oven for about 30 minutes.
- Remove and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, drizzle with caramel and chocolate sauce. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and top with whipped cream if desired.