I would like to propose that the United States of America switch to 3 days weekends. Or, at least that my schedule could switch to 3 day weekends. I feel like one day I spend riding my bike all day (not at all an exaggeration! 2-5 hours is seriously allllll day), and the next day is filled with meal prep, grocery shopping, laundry (ew), and various other errands. Cleaning should probably be in there somewhere, but we all know I don’t actually do that.
Today my husband ran his first 5k!! It didn’t go quite like he would have hoped, but I’m still beyond proud of him for getting out there and making it happen! I also convinced a few work friends to tag along, and two of them did their very first race as well! It was fun to get out there, but it turns out not doing any speed training for almost 9 months is not the way to run at your PR pace. Who knew? Anyway, that was my weekend. 56 mile bike ride Friday (okay so that wasn’t even the weekend yet…), 36 mile bike ride Saturday (my first group ride, I didn’t get dropped, and Strava told me I rode one of the miles @ 23mph!!!), and then a 5k on Sunday. I need a weekend from my weekend.
The good news is the first day of fall is finally here, and I’m *finally* feeling a hint of it in the air. I couldn’t be happier. It’s no longer hot at 5am. In fact, there is a nice breeze, and the temperature feels perfect. I don’t see any triple digits on the horizon, and pumpkin spice syrup is sneaking its way back into my iced coffee every now and then. And also, my cheesecake.
I know everyone says it, but I really do love this time of year. There is something so cozy about the fall, and knowing that the holidays are coming (<3 all things holiday spirit!). It just makes my heart happy. Not to mention the flavors. I’ve always been obsessed with the pumpkin spice latte. The last couple of years, I’ve made pumpkin spice latte cupcakes, but I wanted to share something a little different with you guys that still showcases the amazing flavor combination. Every year, I make pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving, and decided to do a little twist on that. The result? Like cheesecake and a pumpkin spice latte had a love child, and it only got the best genes from each parent. They are ridiculously good, and even include a gingersnap crust with a hint of coffee flavor to bring everything together.
To pair with my cheesecake cups, Nicole made a spiced pear martini that is bursting with fall flavors. I’m not normally someone who jumps at pear flavored things, but the spices round it out perfectly to create a not-too-sweet, cozy pear drink that is a must try! And of course make sure you check out the latest episode of D&D and please subscribe on YouTube!
All the flavors of the fall favorite pumpkin spice latte in individual cheesecake cups with a gluten-free gingersnap crust.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed gingersnap crumbs (I used gluten-free)
- 1/2 tsp espresso powder
- 1 1/2-2 tbsp coconut oil, melted (start with 1 1/2, and add a little extra if it needs it--it depends on the brand of gingersnap and how much oil is already in the cookie)
- 1 lb reduced fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp espresso powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
- Freshly ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Spray a standard muffin tin with nonstick spray. Set. Aside.
- To make the crust, combine gingersnap crumbs, 1/2 tsp espresso powder and coconut oil in a medium bowl. Place approx 1 tablespoon of crust into each muffin tin. Press down with your fingers, the back of your spoon, or a shot glass. Bake until set, about 7-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
- To make the cheesecake, beat cream cheese, pumpkin puree and brown sugar together in a large bowl or stand mixer. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until combined. Beat in vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and 1/2 tsp espresso powder.
- Evenly divide the cheesecake batter between your 12 muffin tins.
- Bake until lightly browned and just set, about 15 minutes. Turn the oven off and crack the door. Allow cheesecakes to sit in opened oven for an additional 15 minutes.
- Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate until fully chilled, about 3-4 hours. Garnish with whipped cream and freshly ground nutmeg (if desired) to serve. Store covered in refrigerator for up to one week.
Katy @ KatysKitchen says
Okay, these are seriously adorable. And those little straws, too! I could down more than a few of these in one sitting 😉
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
That is a busy weekend and yay for your husband and his race! These look adorable. So cute.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
I fully support three day weekends. Let’s start a petition!
I’m the biggest blogger cliche – love pumpkin so I’m all over these!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
YUM!!!! i want!!
MIZ says
sure you had me at GLUTEN FREE but more than that?!
GO HUSBAND!!!!!!
Danielle says
I am obsessed with all things pumpkin spice and lattes just happen to be my favorite! Love this!
Julie says
I totally hear you on the long-rides-take-all-day front. It felt like my weekends went by far too quickly when I was training for the century this summer– it is certainly a huge time commitment! Way to go on your two long rides!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
I love the cute little straws!!!!
Alexis @ Hummusapien says
These are just perfect! I would love to dig into a few of these alongside a large pumpkin spice latte 🙂 Perfect fall food!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman says
Yay for your husband that’s so exciting!!! You had a busy weekend, lots of riding and running! I had a three day weekend but only because we had to travel for a race on Friday so I was “sick”.
Now, please send me some of these. Thank you!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
A 56 mile and 36 mile bike ride AND a 5k??? You go girl! Congrats to your husband on his first 5k. Love your pumpkin cheesecake cups. So cute!
Kristi @ lifesprinkles says
These are so incredibly cute and they sound absolutely delicious!
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
You could have stopped at the pumpkin spiced latte, but then you had to go and add a cheesecake to it as well.I am in love!
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
These look adorable! I’m always looking for gluten free recipes to serve to my gluten free observant friends and these look like they would be a crowd pleaser.
Congrats on your husband’s run. That’s awesome.
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Heather says
SO CUTE! These look great. And YAAAAAAAAY STEVE!!!!!
Heather recently posted…Make Ahead Mason Jar Omelets
Lisa @ RunWiki says
The perfect bite right here! xoxo
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Ari says
Thanks lady!! 🙂
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut says
I definitely agree with all the adorable comments! I am going to have to add this to my pumpkin recipe round-up on Lifehack!!
Also holy crap you do a lot in a weekend!!!
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