Thanksgiving Cheesecake Recipe

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It’s that time of the year when gratitude fills the air, and our tables become the centerpiece of joy, adorned with the richest flavors and deepest traditions. But amid the classic array of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, lie the true showstoppers of Thanksgiving – the desserts. This year, why not give your traditional pies a twist that your family and guests will be talking about until next November? I’m talking about adding a creamy, dreamy Thanksgiving cheesecake to your dessert spread!

How to make Thanksgiving Cheesecake

Thanksgiving Cheesecake is a festive variation of the classic cheesecake, often made to suit the flavors associated with Thanksgiving. It combines the creamy, rich texture of traditional cheesecake with ingredients commonly found in fall desserts.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12-15 whole crackers)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Filling:

• 4 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)

For the Sour Cream Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and set it aside.

2. Making the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing to prevent incorporating excess air, which can cause cracks.
2. Gradually add sugar and beat until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing at low speed after each addition until blended.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, flour, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
5. Pour this filling over the crust in the springform pan.

3. Baking the Cheesecake:

1. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
2. Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
3. Turn off the oven. Let the cheesecake sit in the warm oven with the door closed for 1 hour.

4. Adding the Sour Cream Topping:

1. While the cheesecake is cooling, whisk together the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. After the cheesecake has cooled in the oven for an hour, spread the sour cream topping evenly over the top.
3. Return the cheesecake to the oven for 5 more minutes.

5. Final Cooling and Chilling:

1. When the cheesecake is removed from the oven, run a knife around the rim of the pan to loosen it and prevent cracks as it cools.
2. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.
3. Once cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight which is preferred for best results.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake:

• Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve that silky-smooth consistency.
• Gentle Mixing: Mix on low speed to minimize the amount of air beaten into the batter.
• Water Bath Alternative: If you wish to use a water bath to help minimize cracking, wrap the springform pan with foil and place it in a larger pan. Fill the larger pan with an inch of hot water during baking.
• Cooling Process: Allow your cheesecake to cool down slowly to avoid thermal shock, which can also lead to cracks.

What to serve with

When serving your Thanksgiving cheesecake, you’ll want to consider what accompaniments will enhance this final course and satisfy your guests’ palates. Complementary flavors and textures can turn your dessert from simply delicious to an unforgettable end to the feast. Below, you will find suggestions to present along with your beautifully crafted cheesecake.

Beverages:

• Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee or a strong shot of espresso is a classic pairing for cheesecake; the bitterness helps balance the sweetness of the dessert.
• Dessert Wines: Consider serving a sweet dessert wine like a Riesling, Moscato, or Sauternes. These wines offer a delightful interplay with the creamy richness of the Thanksgiving cheesecake.
• Tea: For those preferring a lighter beverage, tea pairs well with creamy desserts. Try a Chai with its aromatic spices or a delicate Earl Grey.

Toppings:

• Berry Compote: A homemade compote with berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can offer a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm caramel sauce adds a gooey, buttery element that complements the cheesecake’s richness.
• Chocolate Ganache: A smooth chocolate ganache can add a layer of decadence to your Thanksgiving cheesecake.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps with a hint of vanilla or bourbon, gives the drink an airy, light texture.

Fruits:

• Citrus Segments: Brighten up each plate with fresh segments of orange or grapefruit for a bit of acidity and a refreshing note.
• Roasted figs drizzled with honey or a balsamic glaze provide both a warm element and a complex sweetness.
• Pomegranate Arils: The jewel-like appearance and the burst of tartness from pomegranate arils can give a festive look and taste.

Nuts:

• Toasted Pecans or Walnuts: Offering a bowl of toasted pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
• Spiced Nuts: Spiced nuts, such as almonds or cashews seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, could enhance your autumnal theme.

Garnishes:

• Fresh Mint: A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
• Edible Flowers: To make the presentation extraordinary, delicately rest edible flowers, like pansies or marigolds, on the serving plate for a touch of elegance.
• Dustings and Drizzles: A simple dusting of powdered sugar, cinnamon, or unsweetened cocoa can add a professional touch to your presentation. A chocolate or flavored syrup drizzle can create a beautiful pattern on the plate.

Ingredients Substitutes

When preparing a Thanksgiving cheesecake, you might need substitutes for some ingredients, whether due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply because something is missing from your pantry.

Cream Cheese

Substitutes:

• Neufchâtel: This cheese is similar to cream cheese but lower in fat. It delivers a similar texture and taste.
• Hung Curd/Greek Yogurt: For a lighter version, strained Greek yogurt or hung curd can replace cream cheese in equal amounts.
• Silken Tofu (Vegan option): Blend silken tofu to get a creamy consistency akin to that of cream cheese.

Eggs

Substitutes:

• Flaxseed meal: To substitute for one egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. This works well as a binder.
• Silken Tofu: Use ¼ cup of blended silken tofu to replace one egg. This helps maintain the creaminess.
• Applesauce: ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce can replace one egg in cheesecake, though it’s best used in recipes where a slight apple flavor is acceptable.

Sugar

Substitutes:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey or maple syrup can be used as a natural substitute for sugar. Use ¾ cups for every cup of sugar, and slightly reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe.
• Stevia or Erythritol: These are suitable for a sugar-free diet. Pay attention to conversion rates, as you’ll need less of these substitutes than regular sugar.

Heavy Cream

Substitutes:

• Full-fat Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk can be used in place of heavy cream. It will lend a slight coconut flavor to the cheesecake.
• Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth – perfect for vegans.

Sour Cream

Substitutes:

• Greek Yogurt: To achieve a similar tang and texture, use an equal amount of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Buttermilk: It can also be a good substitute, providing a similar tanginess as sour cream.

Graham Cracker Crust

Substitutes:

• Digestive Biscuits: These can be crushed and used precisely like graham crackers for the base.
• Almond Flour or Ground Nuts (Gluten-Free option): For a gluten-free base, mix almond flour with melted butter or simply grind nuts like almonds or walnuts.

Vanilla Extract

Substitutes:

• Vanilla Bean Paste: Use vanilla bean paste to give a more intense flavor.
• Almond Extract: Use half the amount of almond extract as a substitute for a different yet delightful flavor profile.

Butter

Substitutes:

• Coconut Oil: You can use coconut oil as a direct substitute for butter in the crust.
• Vegan Butter: This works particularly well for both the crust and the filling.

Lemon Juice

Substitutes:

• Vinegar: While vinegar can replace the acidity, it should be used sparingly.
• Lime Juice: Offers a similar acidity and can add a nice twist in flavor.

Final Thoughts

Serving various options allows your guests to customize their dessert to their liking. Remember, the key is to balance flavors and textures to enhance the main attraction: your Thanksgiving cheesecake.

More Cheesecake Recipes:

• Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries Recipe
• Philadelphia 3 Ingredient No-Bake Cheesecake