Emeril Lagasses Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipes

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE WITH BOURBON-SPIKED CREAM

Steps:

• Prepare the cheesecake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the wafer crumbs, ground pecans and melted butter in a bowl. Press into the bottom of a 12-inch springform pan. In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, mix the cream cheese until smooth. Add the brown sugar and process until blended. Add the eggs one at a time, processing until fully incorporated, then blend in the heavy cream. Add the flour, salt, cinnamon and vanilla and blend until smooth. Add the pumpkin and blend until smooth.
• Pour the filling over the crust in the pan. Bake 1 hour, 15 minutes, or until the cheesecake is just set. Remove from the oven. Use a knife to loosen the cake from the side of the pan; this will prevent it from splitting down the center. Let cool completely before slicing.
• Meanwhile, make the toppings: Combine the whipped cream and bourbon in a bowl and mix until blended. For the chocolate sauce, combine the half-and-half and butter in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Heat until a thin, paper-like skin appears on top; do not boil. Add the chocolate chips and vanilla and stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool.
• Remove the side of the springform pan and slice the cheesecake. Top each piece with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and some bourbon whipped cream.

EMERIL LAGASSE'S PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Combine the graham cracker crumbs, pecans, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon in a bowl.
• Pour in the melted butter and stir well to blend.
• Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
• Combine the cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the nutmeg in the bowl of an electric mixer.
• Beat until fluffy.
• Add the eggs and yolks, beating on low speed until just blended.
• Fold in the cream and pumpkin purée.
• Pour the batter into the crust-lined pan, and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake until the center is nearly set, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes.
• Carefully run a small, sharp knife between the cake and the sides of the pan.
• Release the sides of the pan and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Cover the cheesecake tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours, before serving.

ALMOST-FAMOUS PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
• Brush a 10-inch springform pan with some of the butter. Stir the remaining butter with the crumbs, 1/4 cup of the sugar and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, packing it tightly and evenly. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool on a rack, then wrap the outside of the springform pan with foil and place in a roasting pan.
• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Add the remaining 2 1/2 cups sugar and beat until just light, scraping down the sides of the bowl and beaters as needed. Beat in the sour cream, then add the pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, 1 teaspoon salt and the spices and beat until just combined. Pour into the cooled crust.
• Gently place the roasting pan in the oven (don't pull the rack out) and pour the boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes about halfway up the side of the springform pan. Bake until the outside of the cheesecake sets but the center is still loose, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and open the door briefly to let out some heat. Leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 more hour, then carefully remove from the roasting pan and cool on a rack. Run a knife around the edges, cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
• Bring the cheesecake to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Unlock and remove the springform ring. To finish, place a dollop of the whipped cream on each slice and sprinkle with the toasted pecans.

EMERIL'S PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE (#2)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the wafer crumbs, ground pecans and melted butter in a bowl. Press into the bottom of a 12-inch springform pan.
• In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, mix the cream cheese until smooth.
• Add the brown sugar and process until blended.
• Add the eggs one at a time, processing until fully incorporated, then blend in the heavy cream.
• Add the flour, salt, cinnamon and vanilla and blend until smooth.
• Add the pumpkin and blend until smooth.
• Pour the filling over the crust in the pan. Bake 1 hour, 15 minutes, or until the cheesecake is just set. Remove from the oven.
• Use a knife to loosen the cake from the side of the pan; this will prevent it from splitting down the center.
• Let cool completely before slicing.