An elegant cheesecake encrusted with buttery graham cracker crumbs with a layer of rich, dark chocolate gaze. A mosaic of bat-shaped chocolate pieces adorns the top, and vertically sliced pumpkins surround the cake base. A standout Instagram moment!

Haunted Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake

Name: Haunted Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin, 1 cup boiled and pureed; Cream cheese, 2 cups; Dark chocolate, 100 grams melted; Eggs, 2 room temperature; Sugar, 1 cup; Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon; Graham crackers, 1 cup crushed; Unsalted butter, ½ cup melted; Dark chocolate, 50 grams to make bat shapes; Salt, A pinch

Category Dessert

Prep 45 minutes

Cook 60 minutes

Style American

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: October 31, 2023

Catch the spirit of Halloween with this eerily delightful treat! Our main ingredient is the humble pumpkin which takes center stage in this iconic holiday dessert, elevated with a creative twist. Pumpkin, known for its versatility, is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Along with cream cheese and dark chocolate, this dish is a true Halloween extravagance!

Ingredients (for 8)

Fresh pumpkin - 1 cup - boiled and pureed
Cream cheese - 2 cups
Dark chocolate - 100 grams - melted
Eggs - 2 - room temperature
Sugar - 1 cup
Vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon
Graham crackers - 1 cup - crushed
Unsalted butter - ½ cup - melted
Dark chocolate - 50 grams - to make bat shapes
Salt - A pinch

Preparation

Step 1 - 🎚️🔥🥘

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a springform pan.
Step 2 - 🍪🧈🥧

Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press onto the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
Step 3 - 🧀🥣🎃

In a large bowl, beat the cheese, sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until blended.
Step 4 - 🥚🥚🔄

Add eggs, beating on low speed just until combined.
Step 5 - 🍰🔪👍

Pour the mixture over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 6 - 🧀🍰⏱️

Bake for 1 hour or until the center is set.
Step 7 - 🍫🦇❄️

While the cheesecake is cooling, melt 50 grams of dark chocolate and pipe into bat shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill until firm.
Step 8 - 🍫🦇🍰

Once the cheesecake completely cools, cover it with a layer of melted dark chocolate. Arrange the chocolate bat shapes atop.
Step 9 - 🕓🍰😋

Chill the completed cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving.

Additional

You can use canned pumpkin for a quicker version. Involving kids in the creation of bat-shaped chocolate can be a fun activity. If you prefer a healthier touch, try swapping half the cream cheese for Greek yogurt!