Pumpkin Spiced Basque Style Cheesecake: A Twist on Your Classic Pumpkin Pie

When fall rolls around, it’s all about cozying up with comforting flavours, and pumpkin is always at the top of that list. This year, why not swap out your traditional pumpkin pie for something with a modern twist? Pumpkin Spiced Basque Style Cheesecake is the perfect blend of rustic Basque-style cheesecake and the warming spices we all love. Creamy, caramelized, and lightly spiced, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy all your pumpkin cravings.

What Makes Basque Cheesecake Special?

Basque cheesecake is unlike any other cheesecake. It’s baked at a high temperature, giving it a beautifully burnt, caramelized top and a lusciously soft, almost custard-like center. Forget about water baths or cracking concerns—this cheesecake embraces its imperfections. And with the addition of pumpkin puree and spices swirled into the batter, you get the best of both worlds: rich, creamy cheesecake with the familiar flavours of fall.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spiced Basque Style Cheesecake

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious fall dessert:

Cheesecake Base

• 2 packages (24 oz) Philadelphia cream cheese, room temperature
• 5000 ml (3 cups) 35% cream
• 4 eggs
• 200g sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 Tbsp flour (optional)

Pumpkin Swirl

• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp allspice
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves

Chef's Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.

How to Make Pumpkin Spiced Basque Style Cheesecake

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F(220°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, leaving extra parchment hanging over the edges for that signature Basque cheesecake look. Chef Tip! Crumple the parchment paper into a ball before lining the pan. The paper will help it stay in place!

2. Make the Cheesecake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Slowly pour in the cream and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy. Sift flour into the batter and gently fold in. Set aside 1 1/2 cup of batter (you will swirl this into the cheesecake once mixed with pumpkin and spices)

3. Prepare the Pumpkin Swirl

In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree with the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Stir until well combined. Fold in reserved cheese cake batter into pumpkin and spices. 

4. Combine and Swirl

Pour the plain cheesecake batter into the prepared pan. Then, take the pumpkin mixture and spoon it onto the top of the cheesecake in dollops. Use a knife to gently swirl the pumpkin into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect.

Pro Tip: Don’t over-swirl if you want defined pumpkin pockets in the cheesecake!

5. Bake

Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and the center is still slightly jiggly. The burnt top and soft center are key characteristics of Basque cheesecake, so don’t worry if it looks a little rustic—it’s supposed to!

Cooling and Serving

Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for about an hour, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will help the cheesecake fully set, giving you that perfect creamy texture.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spiced Basque Style Cheesecake

This cheesecake brings together the best parts of fall: the warmth of pumpkin spice and the richness of a perfectly baked Basque cheesecake. It’s impressive yet deceptively simple to make. Whether you're preparing for a holiday meal or just want to indulge in a little seasonal treat, this Pumpkin Spiced Basque Cheesecake is bound to become a new favourite.

Chef’s Final Thoughts

This cheesecake is a fantastic alternative to the usual pumpkin pie. I love how the burnt top adds depth to the flavor, while the pumpkin swirl provides that seasonal touch. If you’re a pumpkin lover looking for something a little different, you can’t go wrong with this dessert!