Pumpkin Cheesecakes
These mini pumpkin treats are rich, creamy, and totally decadent. When a cheesecake craving strikes, I guarantee that these bites will certainly satisfy.

By incorporating canned pumpkin into the mix, I bumped up the overall nutrition, adding beta-carotene, potassium, and fiber. Plus, each provides 5 grams of protein—not bad for an indulgent dessert!
If you’re not a fan of brown sugar, you can easily swap the 1/2 cup brown sugar for 1/3 cup honey, but be sure to add an extra 2 tbsp all purpose (or almond) flour. Keep all other ingredients, steps, and baking time the same.
Note: I use only 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree (not 1 can). Too much pumpkin will throw off the flavor and texture of the cheesecakes.
Try these Pumpkin Doughnut Holes!

Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Ingredients
Graham cracker bottoms
- 5 long sheets graham cracker, 10 squares, totally crushed
- 2 to 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Cheesecake filling
- 1 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened at room temperature*
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree**
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature and slightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚. Line a muffin tin with 12 liners and set aside.
To make the crust:
- Mix the crushed graham cracker with the melted butter until completely combined. Evenly distribute the mixture among the bottom of the liners and gently press down on each with your fingers or a spoon to pack them in. Bake in the oven for about 5 minutes. Then, allow them to completely cool (for at least 10 minutes).
To make the filling:
- Add all of the remaining ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir until everything is smooth and well combined. Spoon the mixture evenly over the top of the cooled graham cracker crusts (¼ cup per cheesecake—you’ll have enough batter to fill all of them to the very top) and bake in the oven on the middle rack for 22 to 25 minutes. (This yields a firm consistency ) Let them cool and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until overnight. Note: You can let them cook a bit longer, about 35 minutes, if you prefer a more caramelized, slightly saltier flavor.
- To serve, remove liners and transfer to a serving plate. Top each with a squirt of whipped topping and dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Notes
*If you have an electric mixer or immersion blender, it helps to get the cream cheese silky smooth without lumps. If you don’t, and your cream cheese isn’t super soft, you can microwave it for about 15 to 20 seconds to soften it up before mixing it with other ingredients. **I use only 1 cup canned pumpkin puree. I’m calling this out because it’s easy to confuse “cup” with “can” and I want to make sure you don’t include the entire can as it will negatively impact the final result. Swapping honey for brown sugar: If you prefer to use honey over brown sugar, swap 1/3 cup honey for the 1/2 cup brown sugar. Add an extra 2 tbsp. all purpose or almond flour. Then keep all other ingredients, steps, and baking time the same.

What size pumpkin puree do you use? There is a big can and a smaller 15 oz. I’m pretty sure it’s the 15 oz can but wanted to make sure.
Hi Gayle. Thanks for writing in! This recipe actually calls for 1 cup (not can) of pumpkin puree. We’re going to add a note to the recipe to clarify because it’s easy to make that mistake here, but doing so will affect the taste and texture of the recipe. If you decide to give it a shot, please let us know your thoughts. We hope you love the recipe as we do!
—Team Joy
Can these be made ahead and frozen.
Hi Sally. Yes, you can make these pumpkin cheesecakes ahead of time and freeze them for up to 2 months for future treats. To do so, let them cool completely after baking, then wrap each individual cheesecake, and place them in an airtight (freezer-friendly) bag or container. Be sure to label with the date and recipe name. When ready to enjoy, just let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
Hoping you love them!
—Team Joy
So good, I could eat this cheesecake any time of the year!
Hi Carla. We’re so happy you enjoyed the recipe! And by all means, please indulge whenever you’d like…they’re wonderful during the holidays, but also on a random weekend, while watching your favorite show or whenever you feel like a sweet treat!
—Team Joy
Would honey or agave work in place of the brown sugar? Thank you !
Eileen
Hi Eileen, Joy’s going to test this out for you! It should work with honey or agave, but since there’s more liquid in those substitutions, she’ll need to adjust the other ingredients and determine whether to add a few tablespoons of almond flour (or another thickener) for the right consistency. Hold tight! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Dear Eliza,
Thank you so much! I appreciate Joy trying the honey or agave in the recipe! Can something besides almond flour be used instead as I have recently reacted to almond flour ? Thank you!
Eileen
Hi Eileen! I’m going to test it with all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour too. It’ll just require a very small amount. Stay tuned!
Hi Eileen! We tested this out for you! You can swap the 1/2 cup brown sugar for 1/3 cup honey and 2 tbsp. all purpose flour (or almond flour). Keep all other ingredients, steps, and baking time the same. Let us know how you like it!
I did make the mini pumpkin cheesecakes with honey. They were delicious.
Eileen
So happy you enjoyed them, Eileen!They’re on my dessert menu for an upcoming holiday party!