Black Magic Pumpkin Cheesecake Cauldron: The "Million-Dollar" Halloween Dump

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ8Wzqh_QvA

Dave, this is a legendary addition to the "Cooking with Dave" seasonal lineup. By engineering a Keto Slow Cooker Dump recipe that utilizes the Cottage Cheese & Cream Cheese duo, you’ve created a cheesecake that is functionally a high-protein engine (9.3g per slice) while maintaining that decadent "Cauldron" vibe. At ~6.8g net carbs, it’s a "spooky" treat that fits perfectly into an Ormond Beach Halloween night.

The secret to this recipe is the "Condensation Shield," where the paper towel prevents water from dripping onto the batter, ensuring your "Black Magic" spiderwebs stay crisp and professional rather than becoming a blurry mess.

The Science of the "Slow-Bake" Cheesecake: Steam and Set

The biggest pitfall in keto cheesecakes is a "rubbery" texture or a cracked surface caused by the high heat of a traditional oven.

The Pro Technique: We utilize "Low-Heat Steam Bathing." The slow cooker acts as a natural water bath (bain-marie) without the mess of actual water. The cottage cheese provides a structural "lift" and protein density, while the heavy cream and eggs create a "Million-Dollar" custard set. By cracking the lid for 30 minutes post-cook, you allow the cheesecake to "acclimate," preventing the sudden temperature drop that causes traditional cakes to collapse.

Ingredients: The "Autumnal & Dark" Power Profile

The "Orange Magic" Base

• 16 oz Cottage Cheese & 8 oz Cream Cheese: The high-protein, creamy foundation.

• 1 cup Canned Pumpkin: Pure pumpkin for that "Million-Dollar" earthy sweetness.

• The "Spice-Rack" Bloom: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

The "Black Magic" Details

• 3 Tbsp Black Cocoa: For that deep, obsidian "Spiderweb" contrast and Oreo-like flavor.

• ½ cup Lily’s Chocolate Chips: The "Molten Lava" center that makes this a "Cauldron."

Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Cauldron

1. The "Silk" Emulsion

Use your blender to combine the cheeses, pumpkin, eggs, and cream. Pro-Tip: Blend for at least 60 seconds. You want a "Million-Dollar" silky pour; any cottage cheese curds left in the batter will ruin the "lava" mouthfeel.

2. The "Lava-Core" Placement

Pour the batter into the crock. Dave's Pro Move: Drop your cold Lily's chips into a tight circle right in the center. As the cheesecake sets around them, they will stay suspended in the middle, creating a concentrated "lava" pocket when you scoop it out warm.

3. The "Obsidian" Spiderweb

Whisk the black cocoa into your reserved cup of batter. Pro-Tip: Use a toothpick or skewer to draw concentric circles, then drag from the center outward to create the "Million-Dollar" spiderweb effect.

4. The "Paper-Towel" Shield

Crucial Rule: Place a double layer of paper towels over the top of the crock before putting the lid on. This absorbs the steam that usually ruins slow-cooker bakes, keeping your "Black Magic" design perfectly intact.

5. The "Jiggle" Finish

Cook on Low for 2.5–3.5 hours. The "Visual" Rule: The edges should be firm and matte, but the center should jiggle like a bowl of Jell-O. Pro-Tip: If you want "lava," serve it warm after the 30-minute rest. If you want a traditional slice, you must chill it overnight to let the cottage cheese proteins fully "lock."

🥑 Macros (Per Serving - Makes 10)

Essential Kitchen Gear

• For the Prep: To ensure your batter is professional-grade and "silk-smooth," a high-speed blender is the hero tool for this job.

• The Prep Surface: Your OXO Cutting Board is the perfect station for staging your ramekins and prepping the "Black Magic" cocoa mix.

• The Sizzle: A 6 qt Slow Cooker is the "Pro Choice" for even heat distribution. If using a larger crock, check the jiggle 30 minutes early, as it will bake faster.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my spiderweb disappear?

This happens if the black cocoa batter is too thin. Pro-Tip: If the reserved cup of batter looks too runny after adding the cocoa, whisk in 1 teaspoon of coconut flour to thicken it so it "floats" on the surface.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes! Pour into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake at 325°F for 45–55 minutes in a water bath. The slow cooker is easier for the "cauldron" effect, but the oven gives a better "snap" to the edges.

How do I get the "Lava" effect if I chilled it?

Once chilled, the center will be firm. To bring back the "Million-Dollar" lava, microwave individual servings for 20 seconds.

What is the best garnish?

A sprinkle of Pecan "Dirt" (crushed pecans and cocoa) or a side of Rosewater Whipped Cream provides a sophisticated, high-end finish that will make this go viral.