Pumpkin Pie vs. Pumpkin Cheesecake: Which Is Better?
Since pumpkin is the base ingredient in both pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake, it is understandable that they will have a very similar taste. They are mostly served around Thanksgiving, so many people use them interchangeably. However, what is the difference between pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake, and which one is considered the better option?
The main difference between pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake is in the filling. Pumpkin cheesecake contains cream cheese along with the pumpkin puree, while pumpkin pie contains only pumpkin puree with spices, such as cinnamon and ginger. Those who prefer traditional, always go for pumpkin pie.
If you cannot make the difference between pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake, you have come to the right place. In this article, I have discussed the differences between these two desserts by comparing all of their most distinguishable features. Therefore, once you understand the differences, you will be able to decide which one to choose for your next special event.
Pumpkin Pie Vs. Pumpkin Cheesecake: Differences
To understand the differences between these two quite similar desserts, you need to compare their features precisely. For that purpose, I have compared the ingredients, taste, texture, and similar properties of both pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake. This kind of comparison is needed to distinguish them and learn which one is better.
However, when choosing the better option, personal taste plays a crucial role, meaning that opinions can vary. Nonetheless, you need to acknowledge the properties of these sweet baked goods to determine which one is more suitable for your needs.
Taste
The first flavor that you can notice in both pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake is their base ingredient – the pumpkin. This vegetable has quite a delicate and special taste, so it is impossible to miss it out. Pumpkin has a sweet taste naturally. However, this flavor is intensified when other ingredients, such as sugar..
However, the sweet flavors of pumpkin are not modified in the same way in pumpkin pies and pumpkin cheesecakes, and that is why they differ in taste. For instance, pumpkin pie is characterized by a starchy-sweet flavor with some fruity notes. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin is intensified by its blending with brown sugar.
In addition, you can also sense some spiciness of this dessert that comes from ginger, cinnamon, and similar spices included in the recipe.
Actually, flavors such as nutmeg and cloves are responsible for the richness included in the taste of pumpkin pie.
On the other hand, pumpkin cheesecake has a similar taste, but with additional creaminess provided by the inclusion of cream cheese in the recipe.
To make pumpkin cheesecake, you mostly need the same ingredients like the ones in pumpkin pie. However, the cream cheese makes the texture of the pumpkin cheese creamier, but lighter, so the sweetness is not so much intensified.
Ingredients
The main ingredient in both pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake is pumpkin which is included in their filling. To be more precise, the pumpkin is in the form of a puree, which makes the texture of these desserts.
The filling of both pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake is made with the same ingredients, hence the similar taste. However, the main difference is that pumpkin cheesecake contains cream cheese in its content since this is the main feature of every type of cheesecake.
In addition, there is also one more difference when it comes to the foundation of these desserts. Namely, their crust is made of different ingredients that are prepared in different ways. Pumpkin pie can be made with an unbaked, frozen crust in which the filling will be poured and later baked together. If you want a homemade crust for pumpkin pie, you will need flour, sugar and butter.
On the other hand, pumpkin cheesecake requires making the crust from scratch using graham crackers and butter. Some people find this difficult and inconvenient, so they opt for a pumpkin pie rather than a cheesecake. By contrast, some people find making a cheesecake crust rather easy, so they do not mind making it from scratch.
Texture
Pumpkin pie is considered a lighter dessert, so people tend to choose it as a dessert after big main courses. This is because pumpkin pie has a light and smooth texture, so it melts in the mouth when eaten.
The center of the pumpkin pie is usually soft, but not sloshy, while its ends are firm and in a way, crispy.
Pumpkin cheesecake has a similar texture. Namely, its center is soft and jiggly, but so are its outer edges. Only the base of pumpkin cheesecake is firmer, but not as the one in pumpkin pie.
That is why pumpkin pie is characterized by a slightly heavier texture than pumpkin cheesecake. Some people regard these features as really important, and they base their dessert choice on them. Therefore, if you want firmer and crunchier edges, then you should go for pumpkin pie.
Serving
Pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin pie are also served in different ways. While pumpkin pie is often served warm, pumpkin cheesecake is always served cold. Since pumpkin pie is served warm, it tastes more spicy and flavorful than pumpkin cheesecake.
Pumpkin Pie Vs. Pumpkin Cheesecake: Which Is Better?
Pumpkin pie is the traditional choice, meaning that pumpkin cheesecake is derived from it. With some very simple modifications, people have invented and introduced pumpkin cheesecake.
If you have read the comparison above, you have understood that these two desserts have only slight modifications in ingredients. However, these ingredients are very important to some people because they make some essential differences. For instance, some people do not want cream cheese in their dessert, especially not mixed with pumpkin and spices.
In addition, many people appreciate the regular pie crust, rather than the crust made of graham crackers.
On the other hand, others prefer cheesecakes, so they do not mind the combination of cream cheese, pumpkin, and spices. Therefore, it is very difficult to determine which of these desserts is better since the right answer lies mostly in people’s personal preferences and tastes.
If you have read the article carefully, you are already aware of the differences between pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake. This means that you know which one is suitable for your taste, so you can make your choice more easily. If you want my personal opinion, I would go for both of them, since they both taste heavenly.
