A Brief History of Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cheesecake’s rich legacy dates back thousands of years, but the American-style cream cheese version emerged in the early 1900s. The pumpkin twist became a beloved fall favorite during the mid-20th century, merging creamy cheesecake with classic pumpkin pie flavors. Adding caramel to the mix elevated the dessert into pure decadence—offering a luxurious balance of smooth sweetness, warm spice, and buttery richness perfect for autumn celebrations.

Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Cheesecake – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
This Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Cheesecake is the ultimate fall dessert indulgence—creamy, dreamy, and dripping with golden caramel! A buttery graham cracker crust supports velvety layers of pumpkin spice cheesecake beautifully swirled with luscious caramel sauce. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, cozy weekends, or impressing guests at any holiday dinner. With its silky texture and stunning presentation, this dessert is a guaranteed showstopper that tastes every bit as good as it looks.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup brown sugar
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½ cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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24 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 cup sour cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Layer:
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¾ cup pumpkin puree
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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¼ tsp ginger
For the Caramel Swirl:
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½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and wrap the outside with foil.
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Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and butter. Press into the pan and bake for 8 minutes; let cool.
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In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each. Blend in sour cream and vanilla.
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Remove 1 cup of batter and stir in pumpkin puree and spices.
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Pour half the plain batter over the crust, spoon pumpkin batter on top, then drizzle caramel sauce. Add remaining batter and more caramel, swirling with a knife for a marbled look.
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Bake for 70–75 minutes, until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.
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Turn off oven, crack the door, and cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Notes
For best results, use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs. Top with extra caramel
drizzle and whipped cream before serving for a bakery-worthy finish.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! A good-quality store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly, though homemade caramel adds extra depth and flavor.
2. Can I make this without pumpkin?
Absolutely. Skip the pumpkin puree and spices for a classic caramel swirl cheesecake.
3. How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Bake slowly at a low temperature and avoid overmixing. Let it cool in the oven with the door cracked before chilling.
