Ingredients

  • 1 package Zwieback crackers, crushed (1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup sugar granulated
  • 6 tablespoons butter melted
  • 24 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar granulated
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, light firmly packed
  • 5 large eggs
  • 16 ounces pumpkin
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Method

  • Blend zwieback crumbs, the 1/4 cup sugar and the butter in a medium-size bowl.
  • Press firmly over bottom and up side of a lightly buttered 9-inch spring-form pan.
  • Chill 2.
  • Beat cream cheese in a large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until smooth.
  • Add sugars gradually, beating until well mixed.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time, until mixture is light and fluffy.
  • Beat in pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and heavy cream at low speed.
  • Pour into prepared pan.
  • Bake in a slow oven(325F (160C).)
  • for 1 hour and 35 minutes.
  • Remove cake from oven; sprinkle with Walnut Topping; bake an additional 10 minutes.
  • Cool cake on wire rack; refrigerate for several hours, or overnight.
  • Garnish with whipped cream and pecans, if you wish.
  • WALNUT TOPPING: Combine 6 tablespoons softened butter with 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar in a small bowl: mix well until crumbly.
  • Blend in 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts.