Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (180g) gingersnap cookie crumbs
- 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp (8g) granulated sugar
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 large (100g) eggs, room temperature
- 15 oz (425g) pure pumpkin puree
- 0.5 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1.5 tsp (6g) pumpkin pie spice
- 2 large (100g) eggs, room temperature
Instructions:
- Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Mix gingersnap crumbs, melted butter, and 8g sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 8 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Beat softened cream cheese and 100g granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla and two eggs one at a time on low speed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and two eggs until a uniform deep orange color.
- Pour the cream cheese batter over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Spoon large mounds of pumpkin batter over the cheesecake layer. Use a toothpick or skewer to drag the pumpkin through the cream cheese in a figure-eight motion to create a swirl.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are puffed and golden and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Allow to cool at room temperature for one hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing.