Pumpkin Cheesecake Olive Garden – Fall Dessert Recipe

Nothing says fall comfort like the rich, velvety texture of Olive Garden’s famous pumpkin cheesecake. This heavenly dessert combines the warm spices of autumn with the luxurious creaminess that makes every bite pure bliss. Here’s a fun fact:

Olive Garden’s seasonal desserts are so popular that fans start requesting them months in advance! This recipe captures all the restaurant magic in your own kitchen, and it’s surprisingly simple to make.

Just like our beloved Olive Garden breadsticks recipe that had readers coming back for seconds, this pumpkin cheesecake Olive Garden will become your new fall tradition that brings families together around the dinner table.

What is Pumpkin Cheesecake Olive Garden?

Ever wondered why this dessert has such a devoted following? This isn’t just any pumpkin cheesecake – it’s the restaurant’s signature autumn masterpiece that disappears faster than leaves in October! The name perfectly captures what it is:

Olive Garden’s take on classic pumpkin spice heaven. You know what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dessert proves that theory right every single time. Ready to recreate this restaurant favorite at home?

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cheesecake Olive Garden

The Ultimate Fall Dessert Experience

This copycat pumpkin cheesecake delivers the same restaurant-quality richness that makes Olive Garden famous. The silky smooth texture melts on your tongue while warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger dance across your taste buds. Every forkful brings that perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet pumpkin spice that keeps you coming back for more.

Save Money While Indulging

Making this at home costs a fraction of restaurant prices. You’ll spend about $12 creating a whole cheesecake that serves 12 people, compared to paying $7 per slice at the restaurant. Plus, you control the quality of every ingredient, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful results.

Customizable Toppings and Flavors

The beauty lies in the finishing touches. Crown your creation with homemade whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans. Some readers love adding a gingersnap crust instead of graham crackers, similar to our popular apple crisp cheesecake that’s been shared thousands of times. The possibilities are endless when you’re the chef!

Time to roll up your sleeves and create some autumn magic in your kitchen!

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Olive Garden

Quick Overview

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple techniques that even beginner bakers can master. The secret lies in room temperature ingredients and slow, gentle baking. The creamy filling pairs perfectly with a buttery graham cracker crust, creating layers of texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 55 minutes
Cooling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 12 people

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Cheesecake Olive Garden

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese (3 packages), softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Wrap the outside bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. This prevents water from seeping in during the water bath process.

Make the Crust Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until evenly moistened. The mixture should hold together when pressed. Press firmly into the bottom of your prepared springform pan using the bottom of a measuring cup for even distribution.

Create the Filling Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides frequently to avoid lumps. Gradually add both sugars, beating until well combined.

Add Eggs and Pumpkin Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Don’t overmix at this stage. Stir in pumpkin puree, sour cream, flour, vanilla, and all spices until just combined. The filling should be smooth and creamy.

Assemble and Bake Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the springform pan inside a large roasting pan. Pour hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan to create a water bath. Bake for 50-55 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.

Cool Properly Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Remove from water bath and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Prepare the Topping Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Dollop onto individual slices and dust with ground cinnamon just before serving.

What to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Olive Garden With

This rich dessert pairs beautifully with hot beverages like spiced apple cider, coffee, or chai tea. For a complete autumn meal, serve after hearty dishes like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or our popular chicken alfredo. The dessert also complements lighter fare such as butternut squash soup or harvest salads.

Consider offering vanilla ice cream on the side for temperature contrast, or drizzle with warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Fresh berries add a bright, tart note that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Cheesecake Olive Garden

Temperature Matters Most

Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a smoother texture. Take cream cheese and eggs out 2-3 hours before baking, or soften cream cheese quickly in the microwave using 15-second intervals.

Prevent Cracks Like a Pro

The water bath method maintains consistent temperature and adds moisture to prevent surface cracks. Don’t skip this step! Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking, as temperature fluctuations cause cracking.

Know When It’s Done

The center should be almost set but still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. It will continue cooking from residual heat and firm up as it cools. Overbaking leads to a dense, dry texture.

Make-Ahead Magic

This dessert actually improves overnight as flavors meld together. Make it a day ahead for stress-free entertaining. The texture becomes even more luxurious after proper chilling time.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually intensify over time, making day-two slices even more delicious.

For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The texture remains creamy and delicious.

Never store at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the dairy content. Always keep chilled until ready to serve.

For best presentation, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts. This creates clean, professional-looking slices without dragging the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, stick with pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the recipe’s balance and make it overly sweet.

Why did my cheesecake crack on top?

Cracking usually results from ovenbaking, temperature shock, or skipping the water bath. Follow the cooling instructions carefully and avoid opening the oven door during baking.

Can I make this without a springform pan?

While possible, a springform pan makes removal much easier. If using a regular cake pan, line it with parchment paper with overhanging edges for easier lifting.

How do I know when it’s properly set?

The center should jiggle slightly when gently shaken, similar to Jell-O that’s almost set. It will firm up completely as it cools.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well as a 1:1 substitute. It adds extra protein while maintaining the tangy flavor and creamy texture.

Why does my cheesecake have a grainy texture?

This usually happens when cream cheese isn’t fully softened or when ingredients are overmixed. Beat cream cheese until completely smooth before adding other ingredients.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories	385
Total Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	17g
Cholesterol	135mg
Sodium	285mg
Total Carbs	30g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	26g
Protein	7g
Vitamin A	45% DV
Calcium	12% DV

Values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands used

Pro Chef Secrets

Professional bakers swear by these insider techniques. First, always use a kitchen scale for measuring ingredients when possible – weight measurements are more accurate than volume. Second, strain your pumpkin puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess liquid, which can make the filling too loose.

Create depth of flavor by toasting your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the mixture. This simple step releases essential oils and intensifies the autumn flavors dramatically.

For the smoothest possible texture, pass the finished filling through a fine-mesh strainer before pouring into the crust. This removes any lumps and creates that signature restaurant-smooth consistency.

Finally, invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature. Many home ovens run hot or cold, which can affect the final texture of your cheesecake.

This copycat pumpkin cheesecake Olive Garden brings restaurant magic to your home kitchen. With its perfect balance of spices, ultra-creamy texture, and foolproof technique, it’s destined to become your signature fall dessert. The best part? Watching family and friends’ faces light up with that first heavenly bite!