PUMPKIN CARAMEL SAUCE RECIPES

Steps:

• For the pumpkin gingersnap cheesecake: In a food processor or blender, grind the gingersnaps until fine. Pour into a bowl and stir in the pecans, melted butter, brown sugar and salt. Press into the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• To make the filling, beat the cream cheese in a stand mixer until soft, scraping the sides once. Mix in the pumpkin, scraping the sides once or twice. Add the eggs 1 at a time, allowing them to mix in, then add the sour cream and mix. With the mixer on low, add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. Thoroughly scrape the bowl and mix to ensure everything is smooth and mixed in.
• Pour the filling into the pan, smoothing the top. Set the pan on a baking sheet and bake until the filling is no longer soupy but still slightly jiggly, about 50 minutes. Turn off the oven, open the door just a hair and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 30 minutes, then cover it with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• For the salted caramel sauce: Mix the brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, vanilla and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Cook, while whisking gently, until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate until needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Slice the cheesecake and top with the salted caramel sauce, whipped cream and chopped pecans.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F.
• Melt 1/4 cup butter. Mix with graham crumbs and 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.
• Beat cream cheese and 1 cup of the remaining granulated sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and 1 tsp vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.
• Bake 1 hr. 5 min. to 1 hr. 10 min. or until center of cheesecake is almost set. Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate cheesecake 4 hrs.
• Melt remaining butter in medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Continue to cook 2 min. or until butter is light golden brown in color with a nutty aroma, stirring constantly. Add brown sugar and 1/2 cup whipping cream; mix well. Bring to boil, then cook 5 to 7 min. or until sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly. Cool slightly.
• Beat remaining whipping cream with remaining granulated sugar and vanilla in small bowl with mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Spoon over individual servings of cheesecake before topping with the caramel sauce.