π° Amy’s Citrus Pumpkin Cheesecake π
π What is it:
Amy’s Citrus Pumpkin Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and a burst of citrusy goodness. It’s a perfect treat for fall, Thanksgiving, or any time you’re craving a delicious, seasonal dessert.
π History:
The history of pumpkin cheesecake can be traced back to the United States, where pumpkin has been a staple in traditional American desserts for centuries. Cheesecakes, too, have a long history, dating back to ancient Greece. The combination of the two likely originated in American kitchens, where creative bakers sought to incorporate the flavors of pumpkin into their beloved cheesecake recipes.
π§ Components:
To make Amy’s Citrus Pumpkin Cheesecake, you’ll need the following components:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Zest of one orange
- Zest of one lemon
- Whipped cream and citrus slices (for garnish)
π©βπ³ Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325Β°F (163Β°C).
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Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust.
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Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and the zest of both the orange and lemon. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
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Assemble and Bake: Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
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Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door ajar for about an hour. Then, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
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Serve: When ready to serve, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and garnish with whipped cream and citrus slices. Slice and enjoy!
β³ Time Needed:
- Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cooling and Chilling Time: 4 hours or overnight
Amy’s Citrus Pumpkin Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that blends the best of autumn flavors with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. It’s sure to be a hit at any fall gathering or as a special treat for yourself. π°πππ
Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Amy’s Citrus Pumpkin Cheesecake (per serving, based on a 12-serving cheesecake):
- Calories: Approximately 380 calories
- Total Fat: About 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: Around 14 grams
- Cholesterol: Approximately 125 milligrams
- Sodium: About 280 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Around 2 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 25 grams
- Protein: About 6 grams
- Vitamin A: About 85% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: Approximately 10% of the DV
- Calcium: Around 8% of the DV
- Iron: About 10% of the DV
Health Information:
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Moderation: While Amy’s Citrus Pumpkin Cheesecake is a delicious dessert, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its high fat and sugar content.
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Vitamins: The cheesecake provides a significant amount of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision and immune function. It also contains a small amount of vitamin C, which is important for collagen formation and immune support.
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Calcium: Cheesecake contains some calcium, which is vital for bone health. However, it’s not a significant source compared to dairy products.
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Protein: The cheesecake offers a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for various bodily functions, including muscle repair and immune support.
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Portion Control: To enjoy this dessert without overindulging, consider smaller portion sizes or sharing it with others.
Remember that nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so it’s important to adjust these values accordingly if you make any modifications to the recipe.