Monthly Archives: December 2011

12.13.11
by

prettygirlfood:

Bruleéd Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap

For The Crust
1 1/4 cups crushed gingersnap crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For The Filling
4 packages (8 ounces each) bar cream cheese, very soft
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons pumpkin-pie spice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature

For Bruleéd Top- Sugar for sprinkling
and a Kitchen torch

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in center. Assemble a 9-inch nonstick springform pan, with the raised side of the bottom part facing up.

Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix gingersnap crumbs, sugar, and butter until moistened; press firmly into bottom of pan. Bake until golden around edges, 10 to 12 minutes.

Make the filling: With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar on low speed until smooth; mix in flour (do not overmix). Add pumpkin puree, pie spice, vanilla, and salt; mix just until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until each is incorporated before adding the next.

Place springform pan on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour filling into springform, and gently smooth top.

Transfer to oven; reduce oven heat to 300 degrees. Bake 45 minutes. Turn off oven; let cheesecake stay in oven 2 hours more (without opening).

Remove from oven; cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours.

Unmold before serving and if you want the bruleéd top- sprinkle generously with sugar and then melt it with the kitchen torch until sugar is caramelized, brown and bubbly.