You've been asking for it since I posted a teaser on instagram a few weeks back... and here it is!! Pumpkin Cheesecake with Marshmallow Meringue.
By now you all know that I'm not the biggest pie fan when it comes to Thanksgiving desserts! I always want a little something extra and this Pumpkin Cheesecake with Marshmallow Meringue definitely qualifies as extra! It's a really delicious pumpkin cheesecake layer that you could serve on it's own but I'm all about that more is more lifestyle so naturally I piled it high with a marshmallow meringue that get's slightly torched! It's stunning. A true beauty. Star of the dessert show. People will bow down if you bring this Pumpkin Cheesecake as your Thanksgiving contribution!!
PS – are you thinking of putting this on your Thanksgiving menu? Check out the full What’s Gaby Cooking menu here along with the master prep schedule to keep things organized and on track!
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Marshmallow Meringue
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ⅛ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup ground walnuts
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
For the filling:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
For the marshmallow topping:
- ¾ cup egg whites
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup agave nectar
- Seeds of 1 vanilla bean
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 350°F
- To make the crust, in a food processor, pulse the flour, walnuts, brown sugar and butter on low speed until combined, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Press the crust into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake until lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce the oven to 300°F.
- To make the filling, in the bowl of a cleaned out food processor, pulse the cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla and spices and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the eggs one at a time, pulsing after each addition.
- Wrap a double layer of aluminum foil around the bottom and sides of the springform pan. Add the filling and smooth the top. Place in the center of a roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake until the cheesecake is firm but jiggles slightly in the center, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool in the water bath before topping with the meringue. The cheesecake can be refrigerated overnight.
- To make the meringue, in a saucepan, bring 1 inch of water to a simmer. Place the egg whites, brown sugar, agave and vanilla bean seeds in a stand mixer bowl and set over but not touching the simmering water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot, about 2 minutes. Place the bowl on the mixer and beat with the whisk attachment on high speed until the meringue cools to room temperature and stiff peaks form, 5 to 6 minutes.
- Lightly pat the cheesecake with a paper towel to remove moisture. Mound the meringue on top, using a pastry spatula to spread it to the edges, it should be quite tall. Using a spoon, create mountains and swoops of meringue around the surface. Lightly brown with a kitchen torch. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Serves 8 to 12.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Recipe adapted from Blackberry Farms
Sounds and looks beautiful! Is there a safe and capable replacement for the torch?
Hi! Out of curiosity and a desire to learn different baking techniques, what's the purpose of the agave nectar in the meringue? Thanks 🙂
just a different kind of sweetener / taste
This is a showstopper for family gatherings! Everyone loves it. It’s so delicious!
I’ve made this 3 years in a row! So delicious. Any advice on how to separate it from the spring form pan bottom? Like how do I transfer it to a nice plate?!? I know so sad that it’s taken me 3 years to ask this question.
you can line it parchment paper!
Excited to make it. I’m at elevation and I’m getting worried because it’s been over an hour at 300 and it still hasn’t set. Still pretty soupy. But fingers crossed low and slow will work out with enough time. It looks delicious!!
I've made this several times! It is so good, and it always impresses family and friends!
LOVE TO HEAR IT! XX
I make this cheesecake every year! Love the walnut crust. Great recipe
Can I substitute pumpkin butter for the pumpkin purée? Basically pumpkin puree with maple syrup cooked on stove top.
never tried that! so I can't say for certain
Would a Vitamix work for the food processor?
Also what is a good replacement for the agave nectar (or is it a game changer)?
Lastly, would you recommend replacing the vanilla seeds with pure vanilla extract?
Thank you!
yes and honey and yes!
If making cheesecake day before, do you cover with Saran Wrap when refrigerating overnight or leave uncovered? Thanks!
I would cover!