Mini Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecakes with Gingersnap Crust

I adapted a recipe from Fine Cooking to make these Mini Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecakes with Gingersnap Crust. I kept close to the main recipe but kicked it up a notch by adding a gingersnap crust, which my kids raved about. My kids thought these mini cheesecakes were delicious and both said they were most definitely blog-worthy. I think these little treats will make an appearance at Thanksgiving this year.

Mini Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecakes with Gingersnap Crust

Gingersnap Crust:

• 1 cup gingersnap cookies crushed into fine crumbs
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese at room temperature
• ⅔ cup white sugar
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 3 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1⅛ tsp flour
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp clove
• Whipped cream for serving

How to Make Mini Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecakes with Gingersnap Crust

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a muffin tray with paper liners.

Make the gingersnap crust by mixing the finely crushed gingersnap crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.

Fill the paper liners evenly with the gingersnap mixture.

Place into the oven and bake for 5-6 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Prepare the cheesecake filling by beating the cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until very smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, making sure to scrape down the sides.

Add the sugar, vanilla, and salt. Continue to beat the mixture until well blended and smooth, about 1 minute, making sure to scrape down the sides. There should be no lumps. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until just blended. Side Note: Don’t overbeat; once the eggs are added, otherwise the cheesecakes will puff and crack during baking.

Make the pumpkin filling by transferring 1/3 cup cheesecake batter to a small bowl. Add the pumpkin puree, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Mix until well combined.

Fill each muffin cup nearly to the top with the cheesecake filling.

Add about a tablespoon of pumpkin mixture, then drag the tip of the wooden skewer through the two batters in a random swirling pattern to create a marbled look.

Place in the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until they are set. They will still jiggle a bit. Do not overcook them. If they start to crack, they are getting overcooked.

Allow them to cool in the muffin tray.

Place in the refrigerator to chill.

Serve with whipped cream. Enjoy.