White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

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When autumn leaves fall and Thanksgiving feasts begin, one dessert stands out among pies and puddings—cheesecake. This rich, velvety indulgence effortlessly balances sweet and creamy textures with seasonal flair. In this guide, we present the ultimate collection of Thanksgiving cheesecake recipes, crafted to elevate your holiday table and impress every guest.

Classic Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups gingersnap cookie crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin purée
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Mix gingersnap crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
  3. Beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, pumpkin, eggs (one at a time), sour cream, and spices.
  4. Pour filling over crust. Bake for 60–70 minutes or until set.
  5. Cool completely and refrigerate overnight.

Maple Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 3 tbsp bourbon
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups chopped toasted pecans
  • ½ cup heavy cream (for topping)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Prepare crust with graham crackers and butter.
  2. Beat cream cheese, maple syrup, sour cream, and bourbon until smooth.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla. Fold in chopped pecans.
  4. Bake for 60–75 minutes. Chill overnight.
  5. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans.

Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups crushed digestive biscuits
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter

Filling:

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Caramel Topping:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Sea salt to taste

Method:

  1. Press crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 minutes at 325°F.
  2. Beat cream cheese, sugar, spices, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time.
  3. Arrange apple slices (tossed in lemon juice) on top of batter.
  4. Bake for 70 minutes.
  5. Prepare caramel by melting sugar, adding butter and cream. Drizzle over cooled cheesecake.

Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup sugar (for cranberry sauce)

Directions:

  1. Cook cranberries, orange juice, and sugar over medium heat until sauce forms. Cool.
  2. Combine crust ingredients and bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Beat cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.
  4. Pour batter into crust. Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce and swirl.
  5. Bake at 325°F for 60–70 minutes.

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Oreo crumbs
  • 5 tbsp butter, melted
  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • Caramel sauce

Method:

  1. Combine Oreo crumbs and butter. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F.
  2. Melt chocolate and blend with cream cheese, sugar, and eggs.
  3. Bake for 65 minutes. Cool and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Top with chopped pecans and caramel drizzle.

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups whipped cream

Assembly:

  1. Blend cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, spice, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.
  2. Layer crushed graham crackers and pumpkin mixture in dessert glasses.
  3. Chill for 3 hours. Garnish with more whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Cheesecake Baking Tips for Thanksgiving Perfection

1. Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature to prevent lumps.

2. Use a Water Bath

Prevents cracks and ensures even baking.

3. Chill Overnight

Always refrigerate your cheesecake for at least 8 hours for optimal flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Day

  • Garnishes: Toasted nuts, sugared cranberries, cinnamon sticks
  • Serving Style: Individual mini cheesecakes or slices on decorative platters
  • Accompaniments: Fresh brewed coffee, mulled wine, or apple cider

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

  • Make-Ahead: Cheesecakes can be made up to 3 days in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Freeze whole cheesecakes without toppings for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil.

Conclusion

Our Thanksgiving cheesecake collection blends timeless tradition with modern flavor combinations. Whether you’re craving pumpkin, fruit swirls, or indulgent chocolate layers, these recipes promise rich rewards and unforgettable moments. Celebrate generously—with cheesecake that steals the show.

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