Go Back
+ servings
close up shot of pumpkin cheesecake on white plate with gold fork
Print

Meaningful Eats

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake

10 -12 servings
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake! NOBODY will guess this is gluten-free! Lightly spiced, creamy and totally luxurious. The perfect crowd-pleasing holiday dessert!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 5-6 oz gluten-free graham crackers (I use Schar)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons butter melted

For the Pumpkin Filling:

  • 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 15 ounce can pumpkin puree

For the Topping:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipping cream

Instructions

For the Crust:

  • Preheat the oven to 350F. In the bowl of a food processor, add the gluten-free graham crackers and walnuts. Process until the mixture resembles sand. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon and pulse to combine. Remove the food processor blade and stir in the melted butter. Press the crumbs into the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan. Place the springform pan on a foil-lined larger baking pan and bake for 6-8 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden and toasted. Let cool before adding filling.

For the Cheesecake:

  • In the bowl of a hand or stand mixer, add the cream cheese and sour cream and whip until fully incorporated. (Be sure the cream cheese is softened!) Add the cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and mix until evenly combined. Mix in the vanilla and pumpkin until fully incorporated.
  • Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top and return the oven (keep the pan on the foil-lined baking sheet). Bake at 350F for 45-60 minutes until the edges are set and the center jiggles just slightly. Let the cheesecake cool completely to room temperature.

For the Topping:

  • In the bowl of a hand or stand mixer, combine the cream cheese, nutmeg, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and combined. While mixing on low, slowly add the whipping cream over 1-2 minutes. Increase the speed and whip until fluffy. Spread evenly over the cooled cheesecake.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or up to a day. Garnish with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg, if desired.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Cheesecake
  • Be sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing the cheesecake together. 
  • Bake the cheesecake in a 10-inch springform pan
  • No peeking! Keep the oven closed while the cheesecake bakes. 
  • Cook until the cheesecake is set but still jiggly in the middle. 
  • After the cheesecake has been out of the oven for 10 minutes, cut around the edges of the pan so it can release as it cools. 
  • Cool the cheesecake completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. 
  • Refrigerate at least 4 hours and preferably overnight. It’s even better the second day!

Nutrition

Calories: 745kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 55g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 155mg | Sodium: 494mg | Potassium: 289mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 8460IU | Vitamin C: 2.2mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 1.1mg