Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (150g) Graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup (75g) Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp (25g) Granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) Salt
- 24 oz (680g) Full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) Light brown sugar, packed
- 15 oz (425g) Pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Vanilla extract
- 2 tsp (5g) Ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp (2g) Ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp (0.5g) Ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp (3g) Salt
Instructions:
- Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until fine. Stir in melted butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a parchment-lined 9-inch springform pan.
- Blind bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool completely.
- Beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is pale and completely smooth (about 3 minutes).
- Add pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, stopping the moment the yellow disappears to avoid incorporating air bubbles.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Utilize the 'Gentle-Drop' cooling method: Turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar to prevent sudden temperature shock.
- Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours before removing from the springform pan and slicing.