If there's one dessert that truly feels like fall, it's Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cheesecake. It's rich, creamy, and hits that perfect middle ground between pumpkin pie and classic cheesecake. Every year when it comes back, I grab one - and somehow, it never lasts longer than a few days in my fridge.
First impression
The packaging is simple, and the cheesecake itself looks like it came straight from a bakery display. The top has that slightly darker golden hue, and the crust looks thick and buttery. It comes fully baked, so you just thaw and serve, which is honestly my favorite kind of dessert - no effort required.
Once you open the box, the aroma is pure fall - pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and cream cheese. You can tell right away this isn't one of those overly artificial-tasting desserts.
How it tastes
The first bite is everything I want in a fall dessert. It's creamy and dense, just like a New York Cheesecake, but with that gentle pumpkin flavor mixed in. The spice blend feels balanced - cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe a little clove - and the pumpkin adds a smooth sweetness that doesn't overwhelm.
The crust deserves its own shoutout. It's buttery, crumbly, and holds up even after a day or two in the fridge. The texture stays consistent, and it's thick enough that you actually taste it in every bite instead of it just being an afterthought.
It's definitely on the rich side, though. A small slice is plenty. The flavor is wonderful, but I wouldn't call it light by any means - and that's not a bad thing if you're ready for a true dessert moment.
My favorite way to eat it
I like it chilled straight from the fridge - the texture firms up just enough, and the flavor gets a little deeper. Sometimes I'll add a small spoonful of whipped cream on top, but honestly, it doesn't need much.
If you want to get creative, it's great with a drizzle of caramel sauce or even topped with a few chopped pecans for crunch. I've also served it after dinner with coffee, especially alongside something like Pumpkin Biscotti, and it feels like the perfect fall pairing.
Portion size and calories
This cheesecake is pretty rich, so you can easily get eight small slices out of it. Each one clocks in at around 400 calories, which is high - but it's cheesecake, so no surprises there. One slice is usually enough to satisfy any pumpkin craving.
Location in store
You'll find the Pumpkin Cheesecake in the frozen dessert section, near other seasonal sweets like Pumpkin Ice Cream and Apple Pie. Around November, it tends to sell out fast, especially right before Thanksgiving, so it's one of those "buy it when you see it" items.
Similar fall treats at Trader Joe's
If you love this cheesecake, you might also want to try:
- New York Cheesecake - the classic version, creamy and rich without the pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin Ice Cream - smooth, seasonal, and perfect with a slice of cheesecake.
- Maple Leaf Cookies - sweet and buttery, great for coffee after dessert.
- Apple Cinnamon Buns - if you're in the mood for something baked and warm.
My final thoughts
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cheesecake is everything you want in a seasonal dessert - rich, creamy, and full of that cozy pumpkin flavor without going overboard. It's sweet, spiced, and comforting, and it makes a great addition to any fall gathering (or a solo night with coffee and a fork, no judgment).
I'd give it 5 out of 5 stars - it's a classic for a reason, and I'll keep buying it every year as long as Trader Joe's keeps bringing it back.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would you like the next review to stay in the dessert theme (maybe Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants or Pumpkin Ice Cream) or move toward something savory next?
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