Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

A twist on a Thanksgiving favorite, this bite-sized dessert uses gingersnap cookies as the base for the pumpkin flavored cheesecake. MORE+ LESS-

By Bree Hester

September 28, 2011

gingersnap cookies

tablespoons butter, melted

package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2

cup packed brown sugar

1/2

cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

tablespoon sour cream

1/4

teaspoon salt

egg

teaspoon vanilla

1/2

teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4

teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Whipped cream, if desired

Caramel sauce, if desired

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1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray mini cheesecake pan (12 cups) with cooking spray.
2

In food processor, process gingersnap cookies with on/off pulses until finely ground (about 1 cup). Add melted butter; pulse until mixed. Press crumb mixture firmly into each cheesecake cup to form crust. Bake 8 minutes.
3

Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin, sour cream and salt, scraping bowl frequently. Add egg, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg; beat until well blended.
4

Divide mixture evenly into crust-lined cups.
5

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until set. Cool completely in pan, about 30 minutes. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
6

Serve cheesecakes topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel sauce. Store in refrigerator.

If you do not have a mini cheesecake pan, use 12 muffin cups lined with paper baking cups.
These mini cheesecakes can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream and caramel sauce.