Smoked Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake

By Freddy Lloyd

Everything Pumpkin Pie Wishes It Could Be

Pumpkin pie fatigue is real. Same beige slice, same spice overload, same pile of whipped cream trying to rescue a mid dessert. This Smoked Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake fixes all of that.

It's rich without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and smoking it on the Gravity Series adds a roasted depth that takes it to another level entirely. Think pumpkin pie meets crème brûlée meets New York cheesecake—creamy, caramelized, and way more interesting than anything coming out of a pie tin.

The burnt top isn't a mistake—it's the signature move. That deeply caramelized crust is what makes Basque cheesecake unforgettable, and the smoker delivers it perfectly while adding subtle smoke that plays beautifully with the pumpkin and spice.

Master It with the Gravity Series 1050

The Gravity Series 1050 handles high-heat baking with ease. Set it to 415°F and let the GravityFed™ charcoal hopper and DigitalFan™ control maintain steady heat while your cheesecake bakes to perfection. The charcoal grill adds a hint of smoke that deepens the flavor without overpowering the pumpkin—something you just can't get from a standard oven or electric smoker.

This smoker grill combo gives you the versatility to smoke brisket one day and bake a showstopping dessert the next. That's the beauty of the Gravity Series.

Freddy Lloyd

Smoked Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake

Serves: 10 people
Cook Time: 1 - 2 hours
Skill:
Intermediate
Method:
Smoked
Food:
Dessert
Smoked Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake

Ingredients

  • Main

Instructions

  1. 01

    Prep the pan: Line a 9-inch springform pan with crinkled parchment paper so it fits inside and rises above the rim. The crinkles and rustic look are part of the Basque aesthetic.

  2. 02

    Preheat your grill: Set your Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 to 415°F.

  3. 03

    Cream the base: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until completely smooth with no lumps.

  4. 04

    Add eggs: Add all 6 eggs, one at a time, mixing fully after each addition before adding the next.

  5. 05

    Add wet ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream, pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, and salt. Mix until smooth and fully combined.

  6. 06

    Fold in flour: Sift in the flour and gently fold until the batter is smooth with no streaks.

  7. 07

    Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Place the pan on the smoker grill and bake for 60-75 minutes, depending on your smoker and the depth of your pan.

  8. 08

    Check for doneness: The center should have a loose wobble—not a tight set. The top should look deeply caramelized and almost burnt. This is exactly what you want.

  9. 09

    Cool it down: Remove from the grill and let cool on the counter for 1 hour. The cheesecake will puff up during baking, then fall as it cools—this signature Basque slump is normal and correct.

  10. 10

    Chill thoroughly: Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the cleanest slices and best texture.

  11. 11

    Slice and serve: Remove from the springform pan, slice with a sharp knife (wipe the blade between cuts for clean slices), and serve with your favorite pairing—bourbon, coffee, or spiced apple cider.

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