Goat Cheese Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe for Fall Gatherings

Discover a hint of earthy, nutty flavor in this luscious Goat Cheese Pumpkin Cheesecake topped with roasted pears.

If you love pumpkin season but want something beyond the usual pumpkin pie or classic pumpkin cheesecake, this goat cheese pumpkin cheesecake is a fresh, flavorful alternative. The tang of goat cheese complements pumpkin’s natural sweetness, while optional roasted pear slices add a caramelized, delicate finish.

The crust uses vanilla wafers for a light, slightly sweet base that doesn’t overpower the filling. Graham cracker crumbs can be substituted, but the flavor will be a bit different. Roasted pears are optional but highly recommended—they serve as both a garnish and a complementary topping.

🛒 Ingredients and Notes

• vanilla wafers (or graham crackers)
• pecans
• brown sugar
• ground cloves
• ground nutmeg
• ground ginger
• ground cinnamon
• salt
• butter (melted)
• creamy goat cheese (crumbled)
• granulated sugar
• cream cheese (room temperature)
• eggs
• pumpkin puree
• sour cream
• vanilla extract

Roasted pears (optional):

• 1 large pear (Bosc or Bartlett)
• pure maple syrup

🔪 Step by Step Instructions

Cheesecake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a food processor, pulse vanilla wafers and pecans until finely ground (about 2 cups). Add brown sugar, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter; pulse until evenly combined.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 8–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and set. Let cool completely before filling.
4. With an electric mixer on low speed, beat the goat cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the cream cheese and beat until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Add pumpkin puree, sour cream, and vanilla and continue mixing until the batter is very smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared crust and bake about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the edges begin to pull away from the pan but the center remains slightly soft. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate at least 5 hours or overnight.

Roasted pears (optional):

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Slice the pear lengthwise about 1/8-inch thick using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment, coat lightly with cooking spray, and arrange pear slices in a single layer. Brush with 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Roast about 15 minutes, until soft. Turn on the broiler, brush slices with the remaining syrup, and broil 3–4 minutes until browned in spots. Let cool.
4. Arrange the cooled pear slices, slightly overlapping, on the chilled cheesecake before serving.

😋 Other Delicious Goat Cheese Recipes:

• Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Pasta Bake
• Frittata with Greens and Goat Cheese
• Goat Cheese Portobello Flatbread Pizza

🧀🍰 More Cheesecake Recipes You’ll Love:

• Carrot Cake Cheesecake
• Tiramisu Cheesecake
• Eggnog Gingersnap Cheesecake
• Brownie Pumpkin Cheesecake

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