Spud You Not: This Sweet Potato Cheesecake Is the Plot Twist Your Dessert Game Needs

When autumn rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the cozy flavors of sweet potato to bring warmth to your kitchen. This Sweet Potato Cheesecake recipe takes the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and transforms it into a luscious, creamy dessert that’s perfect for the season.

I first discovered this twist on the classic cheesecake when I had a few extra sweet potatoes from a holiday meal, and let’s just say it’s become a staple ever since.

What makes this cheesecake truly special is the way the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs with the rich, velvety cream cheese filling. A hint of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the flavor, giving it that familiar, comforting taste we all love during fall.

This image shows a slice of sweet potato cheesecake being served, with the creamy filling and crunchy pecan topping visible, ready for enjoyment.

The buttery graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch that perfectly balances the smooth, spiced filling. As it bakes, the aroma of sweet potatoes and spices fills your home, creating an irresistible anticipation for that first bite.

Whether you’re serving this as a centerpiece for a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a slice with an Iced Tea Lemonade on the side, this Sweet Potato Cheesecake is bound to become a favorite in your dessert recipes.

This image shows the finished sweet potato cheesecake with a golden graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and a crunchy pecan topping, beautifully presented and ready to enjoy.

Sweet Potato Cheesecake Recipe

This Sweet Potato Cheesecake blends the rich, earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with creamy cheesecake for a unique dessert. A buttery graham cracker crust and warm spices make this treat perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 619 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • 9 1/2-inch Springform Pan

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ white sugar
  • ¼ cup butter
  • cup white sugar
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 3 eggs, room temperature
  • 3 packages of cream- cheese softened
  • cup sour cream
  • 2 lb sweet potatoes

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter.
  • Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9 1/2-inch springform pan.
    This image shows graham cracker crumbs being combined with sugar and melted butter in a bowl, ready to be pressed into the bottom of a springform pan to form the cheesecake crust.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside, keeping the oven on.
    This image shows sweet potatoes baking in a dish in the oven, cooked until tender, to be used in the creamy cheesecake filling.
  • Place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish and bake for about an hour, or until a knife easily pierces the center.
  • Once cool enough to handle, peel and puree the sweet potatoes. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar until smooth.
    This image shows cream cheese and sweet potato puree being mixed together in a bowl, along with sugar and other ingredients, to create a smooth cheesecake filling.
  • Add the sour cream, 1/4 cup of cream, and 1 1/2 cups of sweet potato puree, mixing until well combined.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour this filling over the prepared crust.
    This image shows the smooth sweet potato cheesecake filling being poured over the pre-baked graham cracker crust in a springform pan, ready for baking.
  • Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a tester inserted near the center comes out clean.
    This image shows the sweet potato cheesecake baking in the oven, with the top turning a golden brown as it cooks to perfection.
  • Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
  • For the topping, melt brown sugar and 1/4 cup of butter or margarine in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
    This image shows brown sugar and butter melting together in a saucepan with chopped pecans, preparing a sweet and nutty topping for the cheesecake.
  • Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in 1/4 cup of cream and the nuts.
  • Pour the hot topping over the cheesecake.
    This image shows the hot pecan topping being poured over the baked sweet potato cheesecake, adding a rich and crunchy layer to the dessert.
  • Refrigerate any leftover cheesecake.

Notes

  • For a smoother cheesecake, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
  • Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven to prevent cracks.
  • The sweet potato puree should be silky, so blend thoroughly for the best texture.

Nutrition Info:

NutritionValue
Calories619 kcal
Carbohydrates58 g
Protein9 g
 Vitamin C2 mg
Iron2 mg
Sugar39 g
Calcium110 mg

Explore These Irresistible Sweet Potato Dishes

Tips Which May Help!

Tip 1: Canned sweet potato puree can be used as a convenient alternative. Just ensure it’s pure sweet potato without any added sugars or spices.

Tip 2: To avoid cracks, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, and don’t overbeat the eggs. Also, allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar after baking.

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Archie Johnson

Hi! I’m Archie Johnson

Archie Johnson is a San Diego-born home cook who turns her kitchen into a playground of flavors. With a passion for California's vibrant food scene and a knack for creating delicious, approachable recipes, she's on a mission to show that great cooking is about joy, not perfection.

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