01 -
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
03 -
Spoon 1 and 1/3 cups of the cheesecake batter into the bottom of the graham cracker crust and spread evenly.
04 -
Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the remaining batter. Whisk gently until the mixture is uniform in color.
05 -
Carefully distribute the pumpkin batter over the plain cheesecake layer and smooth the top using a spatula.
06 -
Place cheesecake on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly wobbly.
07 -
Transfer the cheesecake to a wire rack and allow it to cool to room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
08 -
Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor development.
09 -
Slice the chilled cheesecake and serve with whipped cream if desired.