How to Make Sweet Potato Cheesecake

How to Make Sweet Potato Cheesecake is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by OJB Cookin' on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr | Cook: 2 hrs 3 min | Total: 3 hrs 18 min

Cost: $24.73 total, $3.09 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Sweet Potatoes (baked until tender, peeled and mashed)
  • 4 cups Golden Grahams Cereal (crushed into fine crumbs)
  • 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted for crust)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (for crust)
  • 3 8 oz packages Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for cheesecake filling)
  • 2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract (for cheesecake filling)
  • 3 large Eggs (for cheesecake filling)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened for sweet potato mixture)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for sweet potato mixture)
  • 0.5 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (for sweet potato mixture)
  • 2 large Eggs (for sweet potato mixture)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (additional for sweet potato mixture)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Bake Sweet Potatoes

    Preheat oven to 375°F. Poke several holes in each sweet potato, place on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour until very tender.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 375°F

  2. Prepare Crust

    While the potatoes bake, pulse 4 cups Golden Grahams in a food processor until fine. Melt 5 tbsp butter, stir in 2 tbsp sugar, then combine with the crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9‑inch springform pan lined with parchment.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Bake Crust

    Bake the pressed crust at 350°F for 8 minutes until set and lightly golden.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  4. Make Cheesecake Filling

    In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 (8‑oz) packages of softened cream cheese with 1 cup sugar and 2 tbsp vanilla until smooth (about 5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

  5. Add Eggs to Filling

    Add the 3 eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Avoid over‑mixing to keep the batter airy.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Layer First Portion of Filling

    Pour roughly two‑thirds of the cheesecake batter over the baked crust, spreading evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Freeze Base

    Place the pan in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm the first layer.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Prepare Sweet Potato Puree

    Remove baked sweet potatoes, peel and mash. Run the hand mixer through the mash three times to eliminate stringy fibers.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Mix Sweet Potato Layer

    To the puree add 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup sugar, 0.5 cup condensed milk, 2 eggs, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp vanilla, and 0.5 tsp nutmeg. Mix until fully combined (about 5 minutes). Taste and, if needed, add a tablespoon more condensed milk or a tablespoon extra sugar for desired consistency.

    Time: PT7M

  10. Add Sweet Potato Layer

    Remove the pan from the freezer, pour the sweet‑potato mixture over the chilled cheesecake layer, smoothing the top. If desired, transfer some batter to a squeeze bottle and pipe a decorative swirl.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Final Bake

    Bake the assembled cheesecake at 350°F for 55‑60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.

    Time: PT55M

    Temperature: 350°F

  12. Cool and Chill

    Turn off the oven, crack the door and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) before serving.

    Time: PT5H

Nutrition Facts

Calories
380
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: vegetarian, contains gluten, contains dairy

Allergens: dairy, eggs, wheat

Last updated: March 13, 2026

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How to Make Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Recipe by OJB Cookin'

A holiday‑ready Sweet Potato Cheesecake with a crunchy Golden Grahams crust. Baked sweet potatoes are blended with butter, sugar, condensed milk and spices, then layered over a classic cream‑cheese filling for a beautiful two‑tone dessert.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5h 29m
Prep
2h 23m
Cook
57m
Cleanup
8h 49m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$24.73
Total cost
$3.09
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Baking sweet potatoes until fully tender (Step 1).
  • Pressing the Golden Grahams crust firmly and baking it (Steps 2‑3).
  • Avoiding over‑mixing the cream‑cheese filling to reduce cracking (Step 4‑5).
  • Freezing the cheesecake base before adding the sweet‑potato layer (Step 7).
  • Baking the final cheesecake at the correct temperature and time (Step 11).

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking sheet with oven mitts.
  • Melted butter and hot crust can cause burns; allow to cool slightly before handling.
  • Use caution when operating the food processor blade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Sweet Potato Cheesecake in American holiday cuisine?

A

Sweet Potato Cheesecake blends two classic American desserts—sweet potato pie and New York‑style cheesecake—into a festive treat often served at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. It reflects the tradition of using seasonal sweet potatoes in desserts while adopting the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of Sweet Potato Cheesecake within the United States?

A

In the Southern United States, cooks often add a touch of maple syrup or pecans to the sweet‑potato layer, while in the Northeast, some recipes incorporate a gingersnap crust instead of Golden Grahams. Both variations highlight local flavor preferences.

cultural
Q

How is Sweet Potato Cheesecake traditionally served in American holiday celebrations?

A

It is typically served chilled, sliced into wedges, and sometimes topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel. The two‑tone appearance makes it a centerpiece on holiday dessert tables.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Sweet Potato Cheesecake traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

The dessert is popular during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s gatherings, as it combines the seasonal flavor of sweet potatoes with the indulgent feel of cheesecake, making it a crowd‑pleaser for family feasts.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Sweet Potato Cheesecake versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients include baked sweet potatoes, cream cheese, and a crunchy cereal crust (Golden Grahams). Substitutes can be butternut squash for sweet potatoes, Neufchatel cheese for cream cheese, or graham crackers in place of Golden Grahams without drastically changing the flavor.

cultural
Q

What other American desserts pair well with Sweet Potato Cheesecake?

A

Pairs nicely with classic pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or a simple vanilla bean ice cream. A light fruit compote, such as cranberry or apple, also balances the richness of the cheesecake.

cultural
Q

How has Sweet Potato Cheesecake evolved over time in American holiday cooking?

A

Originally a novelty on social media, the recipe has become refined with more precise baking times, the addition of a frozen base to keep layers distinct, and the use of Golden Grahams for a sweet, crunchy crust, reflecting modern home‑cook experimentation.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sweet Potato Cheesecake at home?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the cream‑cheese batter (which creates cracks), not baking the sweet potatoes long enough (resulting in a watery layer), and failing to chill the base before adding the sweet‑potato mixture, which can cause the layers to blend.

technical
Q

Why does this Sweet Potato Cheesecake recipe use a frozen base before adding the sweet‑potato layer?

A

Freezing the cheesecake base firms it quickly, creating a solid barrier that prevents the sweet‑potato mixture from mixing into the cream‑cheese layer, ensuring a clean visual separation and distinct textures.

technical
Q

Can I make Sweet Potato Cheesecake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Bake and chill the cheesecake, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel OJB Cookin' specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel OJB Cookin' focuses on approachable, family‑friendly American comfort food and holiday desserts, often adding creative twists to classic recipes while emphasizing clear, step‑by‑step instruction.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel OJB Cookin' approach to American holiday desserts differ from other cooking channels?

A

OJB Cookin' blends humor and personal storytelling with practical cooking tips, frequently testing viral recipes and adapting them for home kitchens, whereas many other channels may focus on high‑production techniques or niche cuisines.

channel

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