PECAN PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake image

I love to play with cheesecakes by mixing and matching flavors. This one with pumpkin and maple is the star of our Thanksgiving spread. -Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h40m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
FILLING:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
TOPPING:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Whipped cream, optional

Steps:

Preheat oven to 325°. Wrap a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square) around a greased 9-in. springform pan. Mix cracker crumbs and granulated sugar; stir in butter. Press onto bottom of prepared pan., Beat cream cheese, sugars and maple syrup until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low just until blended. Whisk in pumpkin, cornstarch, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice; pour over crust. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake until center is just set and top appears dull, 70-80 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove foil. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled., For topping, combine whipping cream and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil. Continue boiling, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 15-20 minutes. Stir in toasted pecans. Refrigerate until cold., Remove rim from pan. Stir topping; spoon over chilled cheesecake. If desired, top with whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 393 calories, Fat 26g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 220mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.