Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Squares

 

1 1/2 C. vanilla wafer crumbs

scant 1/2 C. packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

pinch salt

6 T. unsalted butter, melted

 

1 1/4 C. mashed pumpkin

1/2 C. granulated sugar

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. fresh grated nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 C. heavy cream

16 oz. cream cheese, softened

4 large eggs

3/4 tsp. vanilla

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together wafer crumbs, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt until combined. Add butter and stir until moistened. Scoop crumbs into an 8″ square metal cake pan – firmly press crumbs down to form an even layer over the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Place into the oven and bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. In a medium saucepan, add mashed pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt – place over medium heat and cook, stirring, until the sugar and spices have thoroughly warmed through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in cream – scoop into a small bowl and set aside until the mixture has cooled to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined after each. Mix in vanilla. Scoop one-quarter into the pumpkin mixture and stir to combine. Pour back into the bowl with the cream cheese and mix just until combined. Scoop batter into the crust, smoothing the top. Place into the oven and bake until the edges are set and browned, but the center is still a bit wobbly, about 35 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Cover and place into the refrigerator to chill until firm, at least 2 hours, before cutting into squares.