Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published November 24, 2025

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This keto pumpkin cheesecake starts with a buttery graham-style crust and a velvety pumpkin filling that tastes like fall in every bite. I bake it using my no-stress method that keeps it creamy and crack-free without ever touching a water bath.

Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

I’ve made a keto pumpkin pie and I’ve made a classic keto cheesecake… but somehow I never put the two together into a pumpkin cheesecake until now. And honestly, I don’t know what took me so long. This recipe hits that perfect middle ground for anyone who wants the warm fall spices of pumpkin pie with the creamy tang of cheesecake. It’s the dessert I didn’t realize I was missing every Thanksgiving.

My keto pumpkin cheesecake starts with a graham-style crust that actually tastes like the real thing. It’s made with almond and coconut flours for the right texture, a little brown sweetener for depth, and vanilla to mimic that nostalgic cookie vibe. The filling is silky, velvety, and full of real pumpkin purée, not just “pumpkin spice”, so the flavor is rich without being overly sweet or aggressively spiced. It’s balanced and cozy, the way pumpkin desserts should be.

A fork lifting a bite from a creamy slice of keto pumpkin cheesecake with whipped cream.

What sets this recipe apart from a lot of others is the method

I don’t use a water bath, and I still get a smooth, gorgeous cheesecake that doesn’t crack. The secret is my specific bake time and temperature technique, the same one I use for my New York–style keto cheesecake. A quick burst of heat sets the top, then a slow, steady bake gives you that creamy, custard-like center. No soggy crust, no aluminum foil gymnastics, no worrying about steam. Just a beautiful cheesecake that slices cleanly every time.

And because it’s keto, we’re keeping the carbs low without sacrificing flavor. Each slice has about 5 net carbs, but it tastes like the indulgent, full-sugar version you’d get at a bakery. It’s the kind of dessert you can confidently bring to Thanksgiving dinner knowing no one will guess it’s low carb… and that you’ll probably leave with an empty plate. If you’ve been wanting a fall dessert that feels special, festive, and still fits your macros, this keto pumpkin cheesecake is it.

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Keto Graham Cracker Style Crust Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons coconut flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar free brown sweetener
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

  • 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup sugar free sweetener
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 4 large eggs

Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake Directions

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A whole keto pumpkin cheesecake topped with whipped cream and cinnamon, surrounded by autumn leaves.

Do I need a water bath to keep my cheesecake from cracking?

You don’t! Traditionally, cheesecakes are baked in a water bath because the steam creates a super gentle, moist heat that helps the cheesecake rise evenly and prevents the edges from cooking faster than the center. That slow, cushioned bake reduces the chances of cracking… but it also means wrapping your pan in layers of foil, boiling water, and basically hoping your springform pan doesn’t betray you.

For this recipe, I skip the water bath entirely because the baking method does all the work for you. The initial 450°F blast sets the top and gives it structure, and then lowering the oven to 200°F lets the cheesecake cook slowly and evenly, just like a water bath would, without the extra steps. As long as you don’t overmix your eggs (air bubbles = cracks) and you let the cheesecake cool gradually, you’ll get a smooth, creamy, crack-free top without any fuss.

Storage and make ahead instructions

Store your keto pumpkin cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. I like to keep mine in the springform pan with plastic wrap over the top so it stays protected and keeps that creamy texture. For clean slices, let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving.

Freezer instructions

This cheesecake freezes beautifully. Once fully chilled, remove the sides of the pan and slice the cheesecake. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 month for best texture.

To thaw, transfer a slice to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight, or bring it to room temp for 30–45 minutes before serving.

Make ahead instructions

Cheesecake is actually better when it’s made ahead. Bake it the day before (or even two days before), and let it chill completely in the fridge. The flavors deepen and the texture gets even creamier.

If you’re prepping for a holiday, you can:

  • Make the crust 1–2 days ahead and store it covered at room temp.

  • Make the entire cheesecake up to 48 hours ahead and keep refrigerated until serving.

  • Freeze the whole cheesecake (or slices) up to 1 month in advance, then thaw in the fridge overnight.

Extra tips

  • Avoid storing it uncovered since the fridge will dry out the top.

  • If freezing the whole cheesecake, freeze it unmolded, then wrap the entire cake in two layers of plastic wrap plus a layer of foil.

  • Don’t add whipped cream before freezing; add toppings right before serving for the best texture.

Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake: FAQS

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

Nope, pumpkin pie filling won’t work here. It has added sugar and spices that will throw off both the texture and the carb count. Stick with plain pumpkin purée so you can control the flavor and sweetness.

Why did my cheesecake crack anyway?

Two common reasons: the eggs were overmixed (too much air = cracks) or the oven cooled down too slowly after the initial high-heat bake. Opening your oven door for a few seconds after the 10-minute blast helps stabilize the temperature.

Can I make this crustless?

You can! Just spray your springform pan well and bake the filling directly in the pan. The bake time will be the same.

Nutritional information & Macros

Nutrition Information

Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake

Servings: 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 354
Fat 32.3g
Protein 9.3g
Total Carbs 7.9g
Net Carbs 5g

About Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis and a Pharm.D., she has over 11 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism. She is the author of the Protein Packed cookbook, published by Victory Belt Publishing.

Learn more about Annie →

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