Celebrate National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day (October 21) with this cozy fall recipe: creamy pumpkin cheesecake baked in parchment paper packets for effortless baking and beautiful presentation.
🍁 A Cozy Fall Favorite Wrapped in Parchment
There’s something magical about autumn—the crisp breeze, the scent of cinnamon, and the comforting taste of pumpkin spice in everything. This October 21, celebrate National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day with a twist: individual pumpkin cheesecakes baked in parchment paper.
Not only does parchment simplify cleanup, it locks in moisture for a perfectly creamy, crack-free texture. Plus, when your guests untie and open their parchment packets, they’ll get that “wow” moment your dinner table (or social feed) deserves.
🧁 Pumpkin Cheesecake in Parchment Packets
Ingredients
Crust
1 ½ cups graham-cracker crumbs
2 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp melted butter
Filling
16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
¾ cup sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ginger
¼ tsp nutmeg
Pinch of salt
(Optional) 2 Tbsp sour cream for extra silkiness
Topping Ideas
Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, crushed pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat & Prep:
Heat oven to 325 °F / 160 °C. Cut eight 12″ parchment squares and set aside.
2. Make the Crust:
Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Spoon about 2 Tbsp onto each parchment square and press into a small circle.
3. Mix the Filling:
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Beat again until creamy and uniform.
4. Assemble:
Spoon the filling onto each crust. Gather opposite corners of the parchment and twist or tie with kitchen twine to form packets.
5. Bake:
Place packets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 25–30 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Cool:
Let rest 10 minutes with oven door cracked open. Transfer to a rack and cool 1 hour, then refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve in parchment for a rustic look or unwrap and plate. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon.
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🧡 Why Bake in Parchment?
Using parchment paper isn’t just convenient—it’s transformative:
✅ Prevents cracking by keeping steam locked in
✅ No greasy residue or stuck crust
✅ Picture-perfect presentation for your blog or social feed
✅ Easy cleanup — no scrubbing cheesecake pans