Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

Servings: 12 Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
Turn heads at your next holiday gathering with this delicious, fall-inspired cheesecake that infuses pumpkin and cream cheese together in one incredible dessert!
Two layer pumpkin cheesecake pinit

A beautifully layered, special treat, Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake combines the fantastic fall flavors of a pumpkin pie with the creamy decadence of a New York-style cheesecake.

two layer pumpkin cheesecake in pan

Why We Love It

When it comes to special desserts, cheesecake is always at the top of my list.

But plain cheesecake has never really done it for me. I’ll always take a flavor or two to go along with the creaminess. And while Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake and Mini Lime Cheesecakes are two of my faves, when the weather starts to get cool, I go looking for a little bit of fall flavor to spice things up.

Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake on plate

This Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake is the perfect blend of fall pumpkin spice and everything nice. Baked in a springform pan, its glorious homemade graham cracker crust holds the perfect combination of decadence and flavor. With two bars of cream cheese and an entire can of pumpkin (because when I do this, I go ALL out), it takes pumpkin cheesecake to a whole new level!

two layer pumpkin cheesecake  on plate

Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for fall and winter holiday gatherings. Dolloped with a little Easy Homemade Whipped Cream, it’s always the star of the dessert table.

Why You’ll Love It

Showstopper: This beautiful dessert always turns heads and gets plenty of raves.

Make ahead of time: Busy with your holiday planning? Make this the day before. That way, it will have plenty of time to set in the fridge while you work on meal prep.

Great pumpkin flavor: Unlike most pumpkin cheesecakes, we don’t skimp on the pumpkin here. We use a whole 15 oz. can in this recipe, along with plenty of cinnamon. I don’t mess around.

Feeds a crowd: This decadent cheesecake serves 12. Don’t forget the whipped cream and coffee to go along with it!
Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake ingredients

Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 & 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted

For the cheesecake:

  • 2 (8 oz.) bars cream cheese, softened- I use full fat Philadelphia brand for optimal consistency
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

How to make Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

You’ll want to gather the following equipment:

  • microwaveable safe dish
  • 2 medium mixing bowls
  • springform pan, lightly greased
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • mixing spoons
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • hand mixer
  • rubber spatula
two layer pumpkin cheesecake on plate

Getting started

Prep:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Lightly grease springform pan
  • Melt butter in microwaveable-safe dish
  • Soften cream cheese on counter

Start making Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake by making the crust.

In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar and graham cracker crumbs.

crust

Transfer mixture to prepared springform pan. Pat gently with a spoon and build up the edges about 1 inch all the way around.

Bake the crust at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until slightly set. Remove from oven and allow to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layers.

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth; then add the eggs and mix until blended.

Kitchen Ready Betty tip: For easier mixing, soften cream cheese in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

To make the pumpkin layer, remove 1 cup of the cheesecake mixture from the large bowl and place it in a separate, medium mixing bowl. Next, add the pumpkin and spices; mix well.

To assemble Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake, first pour the plain cheesecake mixture into the crust. Gently spread it with a rubber spatula so it reaches the edges. Then repeat this process with the pumpkin layer. Take time to make sure the pumpkin layer is evenly spread all the way to the edges and completely covers the plain cheesecake layer.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool and then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Kitchen Ready Betty tip: Make sure the cheesecake is completely cooled before placing it in the fridge to avoid a lot of condensation forming on the top layer. It’s important that the cheesecake has a minimum of 3 hours in the fridge to fully set before slicing and serving.

Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container or cake saver and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake on plate

Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

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Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 50 mins Rest Time 3 hrs Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 350  °F Servings: 12 Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake is the perfect blend of fall pumpkin spice and everything nice. Baked in a springform pan, its glorious homemade graham cracker crust holds the perfect combination of decadence and flavor. With two bars of cream cheese and an entire can of pumpkin, this dessert takes pumpkin cheesecake to a whole new level.

Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

Cooking Mode Disabled

For the crust:

For the cheesecake:

How to Make Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake:

  1. Before starting:

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees

    Lightly grease springform pan

    Melt butter in microwaveable-safe dish

    Soften cream cheese on counter

  2. Start making Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake by making the crust. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Transfer mixture to prepared springform pan. Pat gently with a spoon and build up the edges about 1 inch all the way around.

  3. Bake the crust at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until slightly set. Remove from oven and allow to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layers.

  4. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth; then add the eggs and mix until blended.

    For easier mixing, soften cream cheese in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
  5. To make the pumpkin layer, remove 1 cup of the cheesecake mixture from the large bowl and place it in a separate, medium mixing bowl. Next, add the pumpkin and spices; mix well.

  6. To assemble Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake, first pour the plain cheesecake mixture into the crust. Gently spread it with a rubber spatula so it reaches the edges. Then repeat this process with the pumpkin layer. 

    Take time to make sure the pumpkin layer is evenly spread all the way to the edges and completely covers the plain cheesecake layer.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool and then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

    Make sure the cheesecake is completely cooled before placing it in the fridge to avoid a lot of condensation forming on the top layer. It's important that the cheesecake has a minimum of 3 hours in the fridge to fully set before slicing and serving.
  8. Store leftovers in an airtight container or cake saver and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Note

For added spice, you may choose to add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the pumpkin layer.

Full fat cream cheese is best for this cheesecake for optimal consistency.

You may choose to add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the crust before baking for added fall flavor.

Keywords: cheesecake, pumpkin, spiced, dessert, fall, winter, holidays, layered cheesecake, graham crust

Some food for thought....

Expand All:
The cheesecake wasn't solid when I sliced into it. What did I do wrong?

Did you allow it to set for at least 3 hours in the fridge after it cooled? That's an important step. I usually let it set overnight, but a minimum of 3 hours is needed. It should have been slightly set (a little giggly) when it was removed from the oven too before cooling. Hope this helps.

Do I need to use a hand mixer for the pumpkin cheesecake part?

I just use a stirring spoon for that part. The base cheesecake ingredients were fully incorporated in the previous step with the hand mixer, so it isn't necessary. You also don't want to over mix after eggs have been added because that can affect the overall consistency.

Can I use my own fresh puréed pumpkin for this rather than canned?

Sure! Just as long as it's smooth and is no more than 2 cups. We use a 15 oz. can in this recipe, which roughly comes out to 1.875 cups. I bet the fresh pumpkin will taste great in this!

Did you make this recipe?

Tag #kitchenreadybetty if you made this recipe. Follow @kitchenreadybetty on Instagram for more recipes!

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Betty Weand

Food Blogger

Hi, I'm Betty! I live in Pennsylvania with my 2 human sons, 2 furry sons and my wonderful and supportive husband, who is my main cooking muse. When I'm not busy cooking or writing, I'm lifting a barbell, answering presidential trivia, thinking about the ocean, or going on long walks with my pups.

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