Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (245g) pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp (2.5ml) vanilla extract
- 1.5 tsp (3.5g) pumpkin pie spice
- 2 cups (480ml) whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whipped topping
- 1 pinch cinnamon
Instructions:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate or springform pan. Place the crust in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and air bubbles form.
- Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the color is uniform and the scent is aromatic.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in 2 cups of whipped topping using a 'cut and fold' motion until no white streaks remain and the filling is cohesive.
- Spoon the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of whipped topping, either spread evenly or piped in swirls. Garnish with a pinch of cinnamon.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until firm before slicing.