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- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 3/4 cup sugar - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Whipped cream and pumpkin spice for topping (optional) To create the best pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes, I focus on quality ingredients. Use fresh cream cheese for a rich taste. Look for pumpkin puree that has no added sugars or spices. It should be pure and smooth. For graham cracker crumbs, I like to crush whole crackers myself. This gives a better texture and flavor. If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham crackers. You can also choose a vegan cream cheese. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream. These changes will still give you a great cupcake with a delicious taste. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to make these tasty treats! 1. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This helps with easy removal later. 3. For the graham cracker crust, mix 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter in a bowl. Mix well until the crumbs are coated. 4. Press about a tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each cupcake liner. This forms a tasty base. 5. Now, in a large bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth. This makes the filling creamy. 6. Gradually add 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree and 3/4 cup sugar. Mix until everything is combined. 7. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time. Mix on low speed after each egg until it's just combined. 8. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until the batter is smooth and well-blended. 1. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake batter into the prepared liners. Fill each about 3/4 full to allow for rising. 2. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers can be slightly jiggly. 3. Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cupcakes cool inside for about 10 minutes. This helps prevent cracking. 4. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. 1. Serve the cupcakes chilled. Top them with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice for extra flair. 2. These cupcakes pair well with coffee, apple cider, or a warm cup of tea. They also go great with other fall desserts like pecan pie. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To get the best texture and flavor for your pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes, follow these simple steps: - Use room-temperature cream cheese. This helps it mix smoothly. - Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined to keep it light. - Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full for even baking. To prevent overmixing, add the eggs one at a time. Mix on low speed until just blended. This keeps your cupcakes fluffy and soft. For storing leftovers, place your cupcakes in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. When reheating, use the microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. This warms them without drying them out. To elevate flavors, consider adding chocolate chips or caramel drizzle. These add a nice twist to the classic recipe. You can also adjust the spices. Try adding extra cinnamon or a dash of cloves for a warm, cozy flavor. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. These small changes make your cupcakes shine. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above to create your own delightful fall treat! {{image_2}} To make gluten-free pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes, swap the graham cracker crumbs. Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour instead. For the sugar, stick with regular options; it is gluten-free. Ensure all your other ingredients, like baking powder and vanilla, are also gluten-free. For a plant-based version, replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese. Use silken tofu blended until smooth as another option. Instead of eggs, use flaxseed meal. Combine one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Choose a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk in your mix. Ensure your sugar is vegan, too, as some sugars use bone char in processing. You can explore many fun flavors! Try adding cocoa powder to the batter for chocolate pumpkin cupcakes. Mix in chopped apples and a hint of cinnamon for spiced apple cupcakes. Another option is to swirl in some caramel sauce for a sweet twist. You can even add a splash of maple syrup for a richer flavor. All of these variations keep the spirit of fall alive while making each bite unique. For the full recipe, check the main section above. Pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes stay fresh in the fridge for about five days. To keep them tasty, seal them well. Use an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing other smells in the fridge. Freezing cupcakes is simple and great for later. First, let the cupcakes cool completely. Then, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. To thaw, take the cupcakes out of the freezer. Leave them in the fridge overnight or for a few hours at room temperature. This way, they stay moist and delicious. You can enjoy your pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes whenever you want! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree it first. For best results, roast the pumpkin until soft. Then, blend it until smooth. This gives a fresh flavor. Do note that fresh pumpkin might have more water. You can strain it if needed. How do I know when the cupcakes are done? Check the edges of the cupcakes. They should be set while the center looks slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean. Remember, they will firm up as they cool. What toppings work best? Whipped cream is a classic choice. You can also sprinkle pumpkin spice on top. For a twist, try caramel or chocolate drizzle. Nuts like pecans add a nice crunch too. Can they be made ahead of time? Yes, these cupcakes are great for making ahead. You can bake them a day or two early. Just store them in the fridge. They taste even better after chilling. How to modify for allergies and food preferences? For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers. A dairy-free option can use vegan cream cheese. You can also swap eggs for flax eggs if needed. What's the best way to make them less sweet? To reduce sweetness, cut the sugar by a third. You can also use unsweetened pumpkin puree. Adding a hint of salt can help balance flavors too. These pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes are a treat you can't miss. We broke down every step, from selecting ingredients to serving suggestions. Plus, you can customize them to fit your needs. Whether you go gluten-free or vegan, there's a version for everyone. Remember to store them well for later enjoyment. Try different flavors or toppings to keep it exciting. I hope you enjoy making these cupcakes as much as I do. Happy baking!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcakes

Indulge in the ultimate autumn treat with these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcakes! These delightful bites combine a creamy pumpkin filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, baking these cupcakes is a breeze. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this delicious dessert!

Ingredients
  

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

3/4 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

Whipped cream and pumpkin spice for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated.

      Press a tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner, creating a base.

        In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

          Gradually add the canned pumpkin puree, 3/4 cup sugar, and mix until well combined.

            Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition.

              Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt, mixing until the batter is smooth.

                Pour the pumpkin cheesecake batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers are slightly jiggly.

                    Turn off the oven and crack the oven door, letting the cupcakes cool inside for about 10 minutes to prevent cracking.

                      Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

                        Serve chilled, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice if desired.

                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 min | 2.5 hours | 12 servings