Description
Butternut Squash Cheesecake is a rich, creamy dessert that transforms roasted butternut squash into a decadent fall-inspired treat. Sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this cheesecake is smooth, flavorful, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday celebration. A unique alternative to pumpkin cheesecake, it’s a make-ahead dessert that’s sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
1 large butternut squash, roasted to yield 1 1/2 cups mashed squash
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Oil a 10-inch springform pan, line with parchment, and set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Cut butternut squash into thick slices, remove seeds, and place on the baking sheet. Roast until very soft, about 1 hour. Let cool, remove skin, and mash until smooth. Measure 1 1/2 cups mashed squash and cool completely.
- Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, and salt until smooth.
- Mix in maple syrup, mashed squash, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in heavy cream.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and tap gently to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until almost fully set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges. Cool 30 minutes more before removing the springform ring.
- Refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
- Add a graham cracker or gingersnap crust for a classic cheesecake base.
- Honey can be used instead of maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Top with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or candied nuts for a festive presentation.
- Bake in a water bath to prevent cracks and keep the texture creamy.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
