Best Roasted Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Elevate your dessert repertoire with this Best Roasted Sweet Potato Cheesecake. Combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a creamy, spiced cheesecake filling, and a crunchy gingersnap crust, this dessert is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Topped with honey vanilla whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s a show-stopper for any holiday gathering or special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Gingersnap Crust:

• 14 ounces gingersnap cookies
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Sweet Potato Cheesecake Batter:

• 3 medium sweet potatoes, roasted, peeled, and pureed (about 2 cups)
• 32 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1 teaspoon maple flavor (or maple extract)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)

For the Cheesecake Topping (Optional):

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
• Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Gingersnap Crust

1. Prepare the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully heat up.Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

2. Crush the Cookies: In a food processor, pulse the gingersnap cookies into fine crumbs.
3. Combine the Crust Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the gingersnap crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture has a moist, sandy texture.
4. Press into the Pan: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the springform pan, extending it slightly up the sides.
5. Bake: Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Cheesecake Batter

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Roast the sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes or until soft. Peel and puree the sweet potatoes in a food processor or blender until smooth.
2. Cream the Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese for 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Sugars: Add the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until the blend is completely smooth.
4. Add the Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully mixed before adding the next.
5. Mix in Sweet Potato Puree: Add the sweet potato puree, sour cream, vanilla bean paste, maple flavor, spices, kosher salt, and cornstarch. Beat until smooth and evenly mixed.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake

1. Add the Batter: Gently pour the cheesecake mixture onto the prepared crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.
2. Set Up a Water Bath: Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent any leakage. Place the pan in a larger baking dish, then fill the outer dish with hot water, ensuring it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform.
3. Bake: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
4. Cool: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping (Optional)

1. Make the Whipped Cream: In a bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, honey, and vanilla bean paste until soft peaks form.
2. Drizzle with Caramel: If desired, drizzle the cheesecake with caramel sauce just before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Decorate: Top the cheesecake with the honey vanilla whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts and serve chilled.

Conclusion

This Best Roasted Sweet Potato Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for anyone looking to blend the comforting flavors of fall with the elegance of cheesecake. The creamy filling, spiced to perfection, paired with the crunchy gingersnap crust and indulgent toppings, creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Make this show-stopper for your next event, and watch as everyone falls in love at first bite!