CONTEST-WINNING PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DESSERT

Contest-Winning Pumpkin Cheesecake Dessert image

With its gingersnap crust and maple syrup drizzle, this rich and creamy spiced pumpkin dessert never fails to get rave reviews. It cuts nicely, too. -Cathy Hall, Phoenix, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 24 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups crushed gingersnaps (about 30 cookies)
1/4 cup butter, melted
5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
Ground nutmeg
Maple syrup
Sweetened whipped cream, optional

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine gingersnap crumbs and butter. Press onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; set aside. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, cinnamon and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust; sprinkle with nutmeg., Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of baking dish to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. , Cut into squares; serve with syrup and, if desired, sweetened whipped cream. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 calories, Fat 20g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 92mg cholesterol, Sodium 226mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.