Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake with Oat Crust

This spiced pumpkin cheesecake is divine with a toasted oat crust, a silky pumpkin filling, and whipped cream topping. It’s a favorite Thanksgiving cheesecake option that often beats out pumpkin pie in our family.

An oat crust is combined with toasted pepitas for the most wonderful compliment to the silky pumpkin cheesecake filling. Great for any guests who are nut-free!

This is also really easy to make into a gluten free pumpkin cheesecake and I’ll show you exactly how to do it.

Finally, there is no water bath needed for this recipe! One of my greatest hesitancies for making any cheesecake is the fear of it cracking. This recipe just has you do the homemade whipped cream, which covers so many things. I just find it to be one less thing to worry about, and it always turns out delicious.

Serve this spiced pumpkin cheesecake with favorite holiday sides like stuffing balls, apple fennel salad

Oatmeal Cheesecake Crust

One of my favorite parts of any cheesecake is the crust. Gingerbread or cookie crusts are great, but I just feel like it’s a little overpowering and overly sweet. And the alternative seems to always have some kind of nuts, which I’m personally sensitive to.

Enter this oatmeal cheesecake crust! Mixed with ground pepitas (or sunflower seeds), it’s crumbly and delicious without being overpowering. The oatmeal and seeds compliment the pumpkin flavors beautifully.

Does Cheesecake Need a Water Bath?

One thing I love about this spiced pumpkin cheesecake – it’s not too fiddly. You know how some recipes say you must do a water bath with the tin foil wrapped around your pan? Not this one!

The advantage to the water bath technique is you can avoid cracking on the top of your cheesecake and promote more even cooking. With this recipe, unsweetened whipped cream is added to the top which covers any cracks, and I’ve never had mine cook unevenly the many times I’ve made this.

One tip I’ve found through the years – a water bath is recommended if in a dry climate. I’m in Texas where it’s 80 degrees and humid most of the year and I believe this is what contributes to less cracking of my cheesecake, as you can see in the picture. It seems readers in cooler, northern climates experience more cracking.

Ingredients

• Cream Cheese – I recommend Whole Foods Organic Cream Cheese, but Organic Valley and Philadelphia (in block form) make good ones without carrageenan.
• Pumpkin puree – This needs to be 100% pumpkin puree without any flavorings. I find Libby’s to be one of the best for texture and flavor. Some pumpkin purees are more watery than others, contributing to a longer baking time. I find this with many store-brand “organic” versions.
• Pepitas – These are shelled pumpkin seeds. Toasted and unsalted work best, but salted also will work if you want a more sweet and savory combination.
• Oat flour – This is just rolled oats/oatmeal that has been blended in a food processor to make flour. You can buy it from a store or make your own.
• Butter – Choose an unsalted brand that’s free from “natural flavors”.
• Eggs – Large eggs are the size you need. Choose “soy-free” if you are sensitive to eggs.
• Sugar – Both brown and white sugar are needed.
• Heavy whipping cream – Again, choose a brand without carrageenan like Organic Valley or Horizon.
• Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Make the Oat Crust

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9 inch springform pan with a cut out piece of parchment to line the bottom. Meanwhile grind the pepitas in a food processor until crumbly, but not finely ground. Add in the spices, brown sugar, and oat flour and pulse to combine. Then stir in the butter, pulsing until fully mixed in.

Remove the mixture and place it into the springform pan, pressing until packed down and covering the bottom. Place in the oven at 350 for 7 minutes. Remove and allow the crust to cool.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

Beat room temperature cream cheese and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy. Add in spices and vanilla, then mix on low till combined. Finally add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed. Do not overmix!

Step 3: Bake

If not using a water bath – Pour the cheesecake mixture in the the prepared crust and place on a large baking sheet, just in case you spring a leek. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-65 minutes or until firm around the edges but jiggly in the middle, like jello. Allow to fully cool in the pan, then place in the fridge. It should take 4-5 hours in the fridge to fully cool.

If using a water bath – Cover the outer edge of the springform pan with tin foil all around (double or triple wrap it) so water does not seep into your cheesecake. Place the covered springform pan inside of a larger roasting pan, then fill that roasting pan with water about half way up the side of the springform pan.

Step 4: Make Whipped Cream Topping

After the cheesecake has cooled, add heavy whipping cream to a chilled mixing bowl and whip on high speed until stiff peaks form. Spread on top of the pumpkin cheesecake and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Preventing Cracks without a Water Bath

While some tiny cracks are likely inevitable, here’s how to avoid really severe ones.

• Humid climates are beneficial – It helps to live in a warmer, humid climate.
• Gradually cool – Keep cheesecake in a warm kitchen without drafts. Cooling quickly will create more cracking. If you live in a very dry, cool climate I would suggest cooling in your oven with the door open for roughly 1 hour.
• Avoid overcooking – The cheesecake will not be set in the center when done. It should have a slight jiggle or sway to it.

Can This Pumpkin Cheesecake Be Made Gluten Free?

Yes! This is actually the best gluten free pumpkin cheesecake I’ve ever had. The crust is naturally gluten free, then just replace the flour in the pumpkin filling with Bob’s 1:1 Gluten Free Flour.

Storage Suggestions

Refrigerator – This pumpkin cheesecake will last 3 days in the fridge, covered in an air-tight container. If you can’t find a container for it and want to make it ahead, I suggest just doing this the day before serving.

Freezer – I would only freeze this if you don’t intend to serve it really pretty! Freeze for up to 3 months in an air-tight container. You can freeze it with or without the whipped cream on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake

If you need some other recipes to pair with your spiced pumpkin cheesecake, check out these delicious Thanksgiving and holiday recipes!
Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Allergy Friendly Pumpkin Pie Bites
Butternut Squash Crostini
Easy Pumpkin Pasta
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Cranberry Pomegranate Muffins
Stuffing Balls

Pumpkin Recipes

For more pumpkin recipes like this spiced pumpkin cheesecake with oatmeal crust, try these out! And for another delightful cheesecake recipe, don’t miss my white chocolate cheesecake.

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