Praline Pumpkin Cheesecake

By Erika Hollis @ErikaAlice
I won a ribbon for this cheesecake a couple years ago at the fair. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Wow, this pumpkin cheesecake is amazing. The cheesecake itself has a wonderful fall spice pumpkin flavor. It's perfectly smooth and the praline topping adds a marvelous crunch to every bite. Consider putting aside the pumpkin pie and serving this cheesecake at your holiday dinner.

Note: Covering the pan with plastic wrap is a clever trick. It holds in the heat and keeps the cheesecake slightly cooking as it cools down. Just make sure the plastic wrap does not touch the cheesecake when you cover the pan. If any water droplets end up on the cheesecake, gently blot them with a paper towel. The Test Kitchen

Serves:12
Prep:20 Min
Cook:5 Hr 15 Min
Method: Bake

Ingredients
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FOR CRUST
  • 1 3/4 c
  • graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 Tbsp
  • brown sugar, light
  • 1/2 tsp
  • cinnamon
  • 1 stick
  • melted butter
FOR FILLING
  • 3 pkg cream cheese, room temperature; 8 oz each
  • 1 can(s) pumpkin puree; 15 oz
  • 3 large eggs plus 1 yolk
  • 1/4 c sour cream
  • 1 1/2 c sugar
  • 1 Tbsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp good vanilla extract
PRALINE TOPPING
1 1/2 c chopped or whole pecans
1/3 c sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
5 Tbsp butter

How to Make Praline Pumpkin Cheesecake

Step-by-Step 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare a standard size springform pan with some cooking spray.
Mix together the dry ingredients.
Add the 1 stick of melted butter and combine.
Press it into the springform pan, inching it up the sides as much as you can. This will make the cheesecake look amazing.
Filling: Mix all of the filling items until they are well incorporated.
Be sure the cream cheese is at room temp so it does not leave any lumps when well mixed.
Pour everything into the prepared crust.
Put into a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, test to be sure it doesn't jiggle too much in the center, take it out and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Cover with Saran Wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.
PRALINE TOPPING: Put the pecans in a skillet and let them cook, stirring them around on a medium heat for about 5 minutes. This brings out flavor!!
Then add the butter, sugar, and cinnamon and on a medium-high heat. Allow this to caramelize for about 5 minutes.
Empty the mixture out onto waxed paper and allow to cool.
Remove the cheesecake from the fridge and carefully remove the Saran Wrap trying to avoid water droplets from falling on the cheesecake.
Crumble apart and top off the cheesecake with the mixture. Add some fresh whipping cream and serve. OH YUM!

About Praline Pumpkin Cheesecake
Course/Dish: Cakes, Other Desserts
Main Ingredient: Dairy
Regional Style: American
Collections: Pumpkin Patch, Cheesecake
Hashtags: #cream-cheese, #praline, #pecans, #pumpkin