Description
Caramel Pumpkin Spice Blondie Streusel Cheesecake!
Ingredients:
Pumpkin Blondie:
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg + 1 egg white
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Spices and baking powder
Cheesecake:
20 oz cream cheese
1 cup brown sugar
Spices
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Streusel Topping:
2/3 cup flour
2/3 cup light brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Butter, nutmeg, cloves
Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions:
Bake the pumpkin blondie: Mix wet ingredients, fold in dry ingredients, bake until set.
Create the cheesecake layer: Whip cream cheese with sugar and spices, fold in whipped cream, layer over cooled blondie.
Chill: Refrigerate cheesecake until firm.
Bake the streusel: Mix ingredients, bake until crispy, cool, then crumble.
Assemble and serve: Sprinkle streusel, drizzle caramel on the cheesecake, and indulge!
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12-14 Slices
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a flawless dessert. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. For the Pumpkin Blondie: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, and vanilla. Beat in the egg, egg white, and pumpkin puree until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups flour with 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Spread evenly in the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set. Cool completely.
For the Cheesecake Layer: Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese with 1 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Spread this over the cooled blondie base. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until firm.
For the Streusel Topping: Combine 2/3 cup flour, 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg and cloves. Cut in 1/3 cup cold, cubed butter until crumbly. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let cool completely; it will crisp up as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled slices directly from the refrigerator. For an elegant presentation, drizzle each plate with extra caramel sauce and a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the caramel beautifully balances the sweetness. This dessert pairs wonderfully with hot coffee, spiced chai tea, or a glass of cold milk.
How-to Summary
This decadent dessert is built in three key stages: 1) Bake and cool a spiced pumpkin blondie base. 2) Prepare a no-bake, whipped cream-cheese layer and chill until firm. 3) Make a baked cinnamon streusel for crunch. Assemble by crumbling the streusel over the chilled cheesecake and finishing with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, but ensure it’s pureed and very thick. Canned is preferred for consistent moisture and flavor.
How do I store leftovers? Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The streusel may soften slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for both the blondie and the streusel.
Why did my cheesecake layer not set firmly? The heavy cream may not have been whipped to stiff peaks, or the chilling time was insufficient. Ensure at least 6 hours in the fridge.
Can I freeze this dessert? Yes, for up to 2 months. Freeze the assembled dessert without the caramel drizzle. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding caramel and serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overmixing the blondie batter, which can lead to a tough texture. Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer. Do not skip baking the streusel separately; sprinkling it raw on the cheesecake will make it soggy. Most importantly, do not rush the chilling time—the cheesecake layer must be completely firm before adding the topping.
Conclusion
This Caramel Pumpkin Spice Blondie Streusel Cheesecake is a show-stopping fusion of flavors and textures. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the tips provided, you can confidently create this impressive dessert. It’s the perfect centerpiece for autumn gatherings, guaranteed to earn rave reviews and requests for the recipe. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!