Description
This Holiday Spice Cheesecake features a rich and creamy filling infused with warm cinnamon and allspice, nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream, it’s a festive and indulgent dessert perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1–3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (GF Option: use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs)
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling:
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream (GF Option: use a gluten-free brand)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Set aside for now.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese together with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the lightly beaten eggs and mix on low speed just until incorporated. Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, allspice, and salt until fully combined. Pour this filling evenly over the prepared crust. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the sides, then allow it to cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating overnight to fully set.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add powdered sugar and continue to beat until soft peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip for decorating. Just before serving, garnish each cheesecake slice with a swirl of the spiced whipped cream and sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for a festive touch.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and ensure the sour cream is gluten-free.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; it should be slightly jiggly in the center when done to ensure a creamy texture.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow it to fully set and develop flavor.
- Using a water bath during baking can prevent cracking, though it’s optional in this recipe.
- Let cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Holiday cheesecake, spiced cheesecake, cinnamon cheesecake, holiday dessert, cream cheese dessert, festive cheesecake
