Indulge in the rich, creamy, and absolutely delightful flavors of this Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a moment of autumnal bliss with every bite. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a festive party during the holiday season, or simply a moment of sweet craving, this cheesecake promises to be the star of your dessert table.
❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
A Dessert That Aligns with Your Keto Diet
Navigating through the dessert world while adhering to a keto diet can sometimes feel like a tricky endeavor. But worry not! This keto pumpkin cheesecake is crafted with your low-carb needs in mind. With only a handful of simple ingredients, this dessert keeps your carb count low without sacrificing that indulgent cheesecake experience. It’s a sweet treat that respects your dietary choices, ensuring you can partake in dessert time with absolute joy and zero guilt.
Bursting with Fall Flavors
The moment you take a bite, the vibrant flavors of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon will dance on your palate, embodying the essence of the fall season. The creamy keto pumpkin cheesecake filling, enriched with the pure, hearty flavor of pumpkin puree, is a delightful homage to classic autumn treats. It’s a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also wraps you in the warm, comforting embrace of fall with every bite.
A Crowd-Pleaser for All Occasions
Whether it’s a festive holiday gathering, a casual family dinner, or a cheerful party with friends, this low-carb pumpkin cheesecake is a surefire hit across all occasions. It’s a dessert that transcends the ordinary, offering a luxurious, creamy texture and a harmonious blend of spices that are bound to impress your guests. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for those who prefer gluten-free delights, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of this heavenly cheesecake.
Easy to Make, Hard to Forget
You might think that creating a cheesecake that’s this delicious requires professional baking skills. But the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, crafting this masterpiece is a breeze, even for beginner bakers. And once you’ve experienced the rich, velvety texture and the exquisite pumpkin flavor, this sugar-free pumpkin cheesecake will secure a permanent spot in your favorite recipe collection.
A Canvas for Your Culinary Creativity
The basic recipe is just the beginning! Feel free to sprinkle your own creative flair into this keto pumpkin cheesecake. Whether it’s a dash of your own spices, a sprinkle of pecan for that extra crunch, or a dollop of keto-friendly whipped cream, this cheesecake is a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an opportunity to express your personal touch in the kitchen.
🗝️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Flour
A staple in many keto dessert recipes, almond flour provides a wonderful base for our crust. It has a mildly sweet, nutty flavor while keeping things gluten-free and low-carb. If you’re looking for an alternative, coconut flour or another nut flour like pecan or walnut flour can be a good option. You may need to adjust the quantity as they have different absorption rates.
Sweetener
Keeping things keto means opting for a sugar substitute to maintain that sweet flavor we adore in cheesecakes. In this recipe, we utilize an erythritol and stevia sweetener, but monk fruit sweetener, xylitol, or allulose are all excellent choices for maintaining a low carb count while satisfying your sweet tooth. Feel free to choose according to your preference and adjust to your desired level of sweetness. Just make sure the sweetener-to-sugar ratio is 1:1.
Pumpkin Puree
The star of the show, pumpkin puree, brings that rich, autumnal flavor to our cheesecake. Ensure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to avoid canned pumpkin puree, making your own pumpkin puree by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin can add an extra homemade touch!
Cream Cheese
The foundation of any good cheesecake, cream cheese, gives us that rich, creamy texture we’re after. Ensure it’s full-fat cream cheese to stay in line with keto guidelines and bring it to room temperature before mixing to avoid any lumps in your cheesecake mixture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, there are several non-dairy cream cheese options available, though this may alter the final taste and texture slightly. I have used low-fat cream cheese before and it worked out okay…it’s not as good as full-fat though!
Pumpkin Pie Spice
A blend of warming spices, pumpkin pie spice infuses our cheesecake with those classic fall flavors. If you don’t have a pre-made mix, you can create your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, adjusting each to your personal taste.
Eggs
Eggs help to bind our ingredients together and provide structure to our keto cheesecake. Ensure they are well-beaten into the cream cheese mixture for a smooth, even texture throughout. If you need an egg substitute for dietary reasons, silken tofu or a commercial egg replacer could be used, though this may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the final product.
Greek Yogurt
Adding a slight tanginess and extra creaminess to our filling, plain Greek yogurt is a wonderful addition to balance the sweet and spiced flavors. If you prefer, you can substitute with sour cream or a non-dairy yogurt of your choice. Non-fat plain yogurt works too, just as long as it is thick like Skyr or Greek yogurt.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect low carb pumpkin cheesecake to your table, combining to create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also adheres to your dietary needs. Feel free to play around with the ingredients and make this recipe truly your own!
🥣 How to Make Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake
1. Crafting the Perfect Crust
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and optionally lining a 9” springform pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, combine almond meal, melted butter, sweetener, ground ginger powder, and a pinch of salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture into the bottom of your springform pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and slightly ascending up the sides to hold your filling beautifully. A quick bake for about 10 minutes until slightly golden, followed by a cooling period, sets the stage for your creamy filling.
2. Achieving a Creamy, Dreamy Filling
Ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature is key to achieving a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling. Using an electric mixer or a stand mixer, beat together the cream cheese and Greek yogurt until it reaches a delightfully creamy consistency. Gradually add pumpkin puree, sweetener, salt, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice, mixing until well combined. Introduce the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next, scraping down the sides as you go. This meticulous method makes a uniform, velvety texture in your finished product.
3. The Water Bath Baking Method
A water bath is a fantastic technique to bake your cheesecake evenly while preventing cracks. To prepare, wrap your springform pan (with the pre-baked crust) in strong aluminum foil. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent water from seeping in. Pour your creamy cheesecake mixture over the crust, then place the pan into a large roasting dish. Fill the roasting dish with boiled water until it reaches about 1” up the side of the springform pan. Bake at a reduced temperature of 325°F for 60-75 minutes, until the center slightly jiggles and the edges begin to pull away from the pan.
4. Patience is a Virtue: Cooling and Setting
Once baked, allow your cheesecake to gradually cool to prevent sudden temperature changes that could cause cracking. Turn off the oven, prop the door open with a wooden spoon, and let the cheesecake rest for an hour inside. Afterward, allow it to reach room temperature on the counter before transferring it to the fridge. For the best results, let it chill and set for at least 4 hours, though 24 hours is optimal to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Final Touches and Serving
When you’re ready to dive into your keto pumpkin cheesecake, gently run a thin knife around the edge of the springform pan to loosen it, then remove the sides. Garnish your cheesecake with a fluffy, keto-friendly whipped cream, and perhaps a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Slice, serve, and watch as the faces of your loved ones light up with the first bite!
This method makes sure that your keto pumpkin cheesecake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.
🪄 Recipe Notes & Tips
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
When crafting your easy keto pumpkin cheesecake, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture is paramount. To achieve this, make certain that all your ingredients, especially the cream cheese, are at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky, even mixture. Additionally, when adding your eggs, incorporate them one at a time, fully blending each into the mixture before adding the next. This methodical approach ensures a uniform consistency throughout your cheesecake.
The Importance of the Water Bath
Utilizing a water bath might seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial for achieving that perfect cheesecake texture. The water bath provides a moist environment in the oven, preventing the top of your cheesecake from drying out and cracking. Ensure your springform pan is tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to prevent any water from seeping into your crust. If you’re concerned about potential leaks, consider placing a layer of parchment paper between the crust and the pan. You can also wrap 2-3 layers of aluminum around the springform.
Cooling and Setting Patience
Allowing your cheesecake to cool and set properly is vital for the best texture and flavor. The gradual cooling process, first in the oven and then at room temperature, prevents sudden temperature changes that could cause the cheesecake to crack. Allowing it to set in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or ideally 24 hours, lets the flavors meld together and gives the cheesecake time to firm up, ensuring a perfect slice when served.
Customizing Your Cheesecake
While this pumpkin keto cheesecake is divine as is, don’t be afraid to add your own twist! Consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of clove to the filling for an extra spice kick. Alternatively, a drizzle of keto-friendly caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut chips on top can add an extra layer of flavor. Your cheesecake can be a canvas for your culinary creativity, so feel free to experiment!
🫙 Storage Instructions
Keeping it Fresh in the Fridge
Cheesecake is one of those delightful desserts that can often taste even better the next day, once the flavors have had more time to meld together. To store any leftover keto pumpkin cheesecake in the refrigerator, ensure it’s covered well to avoid absorbing any unwanted flavors from other items. Using an airtight container or tightly wrapping the springform pan with plastic wrap will keep your cheesecake fresh and flavorful. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing for Future Indulgence
If you find yourself with more leftover cheesecake than you can consume within a week, freezing is a fantastic option. To freeze, place the cheesecake (either whole or in individual slices) on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, wrap each piece or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Stored in this manner, your keto pumpkin cheesecake can be enjoyed for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight and savor at your leisure.
A Note on Texture
It’s worth noting that while freezing and thawing your cheesecake will preserve its flavor, there may be a slight alteration in its texture. The water content in the pumpkin puree and cream cheese may cause the cheesecake to be a bit denser once thawed. Nonetheless, it will still be a deliciously decadent treat to enjoy.
Reviving the Crust
If you find that your almond flour crust has softened a bit during storage, no worries. You can revive its crispness by gently reheating slices in the oven. A short stint at 350°F on a baking sheet should help bring back some of that delightful crunch without compromising the creamy texture of the filling.
Serving After Storage
When you’re ready to serve your stored cheesecake, consider freshening it up with a new dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. A fresh garnish can breathe new life into your dessert and make it just as exciting as it was the first time around.
Storing your keto pumpkin cheesecake properly ensures that you can extend the enjoyment of this delightful dessert, whether it’s a planned-ahead treat from the freezer or a nightly indulgence from the fridge.
🍽️ What to Serve with Low-Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake
A Symphony of Flavors: Pairing with Beverages
When it comes to pairing your keto pumpkin cheesecake with a beverage, consider something that complements its rich, spiced flavor. A cup of freshly brewed coffee, like our Almond Milk Latte, perhaps with a dash of cinnamon or a splash of keto-friendly pumpkin spice creamer, can be a delightful accompaniment. For tea lovers, a chai tea or a spiced apple tea can echo the warm spices in the cheesecake, creating a harmonious pairing, and our very own sumac tea offers a delicious, tart contrast.
For the Chocolate Lovers
If you’re a fan of the classic combination of pumpkin and chocolate, consider serving your cheesecake with a side of keto-friendly chocolate sauce for drizzling or a scattering of sugar-free dark chocolate chips. The slight bitterness of the chocolate can complement the sweet, spiced flavors of the cheesecake beautifully, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and well-balanced.
Adding a Crunchy Element
While the almond flour crust provides a delightful crunch, adding an additional crunchy element can elevate your dessert experience. Serve it with a side of spiced nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, which can be lightly toasted with a sprinkle of sweetener and cinnamon. Even better, make our Air Fryer Roasted Walnuts, or Air Fryer Candied Walnuts (they’re keto!). Not only does this add a wonderful textural contrast, but it also enhances the warm, autumnal flavors of the cheesecake.
A Dollop of Whipped Cream
While the cheesecake is scrumptious on its own, a fresh dollop of whipped cream can add an extra layer of indulgence. Whip up your own using heavy cream and a dash of vanilla extract, perhaps with a sprinkle of sweetener if desired. Our Coconut Whipped Cream is also a dream with this cheesecake! This light, airy addition can provide a lovely contrast to the dense, creamy cheesecake, making each bite even more luxurious.
Pairing your keto pumpkin cheesecake with complementary sides or beverages can enhance your dessert experience, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your palate and leave you savoring every bite.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While the recipe uses a blend of erythritol and stevia, you can substitute with your preferred keto-friendly option, such as xylitol, monk fruit sweetener, or allulose. Just be mindful of the sweetness levels and adjust according to your taste. Use a sweetener that has a 1:1 ratio with sugar.
Ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature, not overmixing, and using a water bath during baking are key steps to avoid cracks in your cheesecake. Also, allowing it to cool gradually in the oven before moving it to the fridge helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
Yes, this keto pumpkin cheesecake is a great make-ahead dessert! After it has set in the fridge for the recommended time, it can be stored in the freezer, following the storage guidelines, until you’re ready to serve it.
Absolutely! You can use a square baking pan for bars or a muffin tin for individual cheesecake bites. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller sizes will likely need less time in the oven. You can also try my No-Bake Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites!
If you’re looking for a nut-free crust, you might try using a seed flour, like sunflower seed flour, as a substitute for almond flour. Alternatively, you could explore other keto-friendly crust options that suit your dietary needs.
Navigating through these common queries ensures that your keto pumpkin cheesecake journey is smooth and delightful, resulting in a dessert that’s sure to impress and satisfy with every creamy, spiced bite.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further tips on perfecting your keto pumpkin cheesecake!
😋 More Keto Desserts You Will Love
- Keto Pumpkin Ice Cream
- Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites (Mini No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe)
- Keto Apple Crisp
- Keto Coconut Clusters
- Keto Jello Recipe
- Chocolate Flaxseed Pudding
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📖 Recipe
Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1.5 cups almond flour
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup sweetener
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 20 oz cream cheese 2.5x8oz packs
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sweetener
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Bring your filling ingredients to room temperature.
For the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/177°C and (optionally) line a 9” springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients for the crust together.
- Press the crust down into the springform pan, and slightly up the sides.
- Bake for 10 minutes. It should be turning slightly golden when it’s ready. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F/163°C.
- Allow it to cool completely.
For the Filling and Cheesecake:
- In a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and greek yogurt together until creamy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the pumpkin puree, sweetener, salt, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice and beat for another 30 seconds.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating in between each addition and scraping down the sides.
- Boil 8 cups of water.
- Wrap your cooled springform pan with the crust in it with strong aluminum foil. Wrap it tightly around the sides and the bottom so that no water can leak in. You can also triple wrap it, just in case!
- Pour the cheesecake filling on top of the crust in the aluminum foil-wrapped springform pan.
- Place the springform pan into a large roasting dish, and fill around the pan with the boiled water up to about 1”.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes. When it’s ready the middle will jiggle slightly, and the sides of the cheesecake will be coming away from the pan.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open with a wooden spoon, and allow the cheesecake to rest in there for 1 hour.
- After an hour, the cheesecake can cool to room temperature on the counter (keep the springform pan on!).
- When it’s room temperature, pop it in the fridge, uncovered but still in the springform pan, for at least 4 hours, preferably 24 hours.
- When you’re ready to decorate and serve, run a then knife around the edge of the springform pan to loosen the cheesecake, and take the springform off. Decorate it with keto-friendly whipped cream, and chopped walnuts or pecans, and enjoy!
Notes
- Consistency: Make certain that all your ingredients, especially the cream cheese, are at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky, even mixture. Additionally, when adding your eggs, incorporate them one at a time, fully blending each into the mixture before adding the next.
- Cooling and Setting: Allowing your cheesecake to cool and set properly is vital for the best texture and flavor. Please be patient. The wait is so worth it!
- Customizing: Try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of clove to the filling for an extra spice kick. Alternatively, a drizzle of keto-friendly caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut chips on top can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Storage: To store any leftover keto pumpkin cheesecake in the refrigerator, ensure it’s covered well to avoid absorbing any unwanted flavors from other items. Using an airtight container or tightly wrapping the springform pan with plastic wrap will keep your cheesecake fresh and flavorful. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for up to one week in the fridge.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cheesecake (either whole or in individual slices) on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, wrap each piece or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Stored in this manner, your keto pumpkin cheesecake can be enjoyed for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight and savor at your leisure.
- A Note on Texture When Freezing: It’s worth noting that while freezing and thawing your cheesecake will preserve its flavor, there may be a slight alteration in its texture. The water content in the pumpkin puree and cream cheese may cause the cheesecake to be a bit denser once thawed. Nonetheless, it will still be a deliciously decadent treat to enjoy.
- Reviving the Crust: If you find that your almond flour crust has softened a bit during storage, you can revive its crispness by gently reheating slices in the oven. A short stint at 350°F on a baking sheet should help bring back some of that delightful crunch without compromising the creamy texture of the filling.
- Serving After Storage: When you’re ready to serve your stored cheesecake, consider freshening it up with a new dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. A fresh garnish can breathe new life into your dessert and make it just as exciting as it was the first time around.