Step aside, basic pumpkin spice – this Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites recipe is about to blow your mind! Get ready to take your taste buds on a flavor-packed adventure. These little bites of heaven are the ultimate fusion of sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness. Say goodbye to boring desserts and hello to your new favorite treat that’s sure to have everyone begging for more.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
These Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites are an absolute game-changer! Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they’re also super easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Imagine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake combined with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and the unexpected kick of spice. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds doing a happy dance. Plus, these bite-sized treats are the perfect way to indulge without going overboard. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy night in or serving them as the ultimate party snack, these Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites are guaranteed to be the star of the show.
Ingredients
Get ready to stock up on some seriously epic ingredients, because this recipe is about to take your kitchen game to the next level. You’ll need cream cheese, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring the heat. Trust me, this lineup of flavors is about to create a flavor symphony that will have you craving more.
- 24 ounces – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup – Maple syrup
- 1/2 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 – Eggs
- 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon – Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon – Cayenne pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cayenne Pepper: Chipotle powder or smoked paprika (for a smoky twist)
- Pumpkin Puree: Sweet potato puree (for a delicious alternative)
How to Make Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Let’s get started on these Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites that are about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Then, add in the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and the mixture is nice and smooth.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to get those Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites into the oven! Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 of the way full. Bake the bites for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are just set.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites have finished baking, let them cool completely in the muffin tin. Then, carefully remove them from the tin and place them on a serving platter or in an airtight container.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For the final touch, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper over the tops of the Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites. This little bit of heat will take these already incredible treats to the next level of flavor bliss.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Swirl It In: Try swirling in a dollop of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra layer of decadence.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle on some chopped pecans or crushed graham crackers for a delightful crunch.
- Boozy Twist: Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon to the cheesecake mixture for a grown-up version.
- Make It Your Own: The possibilities are endless when it comes to making these Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites your own. Get creative and put your own spin on them!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for the ultimate sweet and spicy indulgence.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bites for up to 2 months.
Reheat: If you’re enjoying the bites straight from the fridge, you can let them come to room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Make-Ahead: These Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites are the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the cheesecake mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Or, you can bake the bites and then freeze them for up to 2 months, thawing them in the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of these Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites without the guilt. Each bite-sized treat packs a nutritional punch, with the pumpkin providing a boost of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. And the addition of maple syrup and a touch of spice means you’ll be getting a satisfying sweet and spicy flavor profile in every bite.
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake bite
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites gluten-free?
To make these bites gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust, and make sure all of your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese is the star of the show in this recipe, you can try using a different type of soft cheese, like ricotta or mascarpone, for a slightly different texture and flavor.
How can I make these Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites vegan?
To make these bites vegan, swap out the cream cheese for a plant-based cream cheese alternative, and use flax or chia eggs instead of regular eggs.
Can I bake these in a full-size muffin tin instead of a mini one?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can bake these Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites in a regular muffin tin. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the full-size bites will take a bit longer to cook through.
How can I make these Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites ahead of time?
These bites are the perfect make-ahead dessert! You can prepare the cheesecake mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Or, you can bake the bites and then freeze them for up to 2 months, thawing them in the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
Try These Next
- Spicy Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites With Caramel Drizzle
- Spicy Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake With Maple Drizzle
- Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites With Sweet Mustard Dip
Spicy Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: 🍰 SWEET HEAT FUSION
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously creamy pumpkin cheesecake bites with a hint of spice and sweetness from maple syrup. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a unique dessert treat!
Ingredients
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ginger
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a mini muffin tin to form crusts.
4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and sugar, mixing until well combined.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cayenne pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth.
6. Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling into the crusts, filling each mini muffin cup about 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set. Remove from oven and let cool.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
9.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference. For extra flavor, add chopped pecans on top before serving!
These bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pumpkin, cheesecake, dessert, fall, spicy, sweet