Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Dream

Crafting a decadent pecan pie cheesecake blends two beloved dessert classics into one irresistible treat.

Sweet and nutty flavors dance together in a creamy, indulgent masterpiece.

Layers of rich cream cheese complement the caramelized pecan topping perfectly.

Delicate textures meld seamlessly, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Crumbly graham cracker crust provides a delightful foundation for this show-stopping confection.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that will leave you wanting more.

You won’t be able to resist this ultimate dessert fusion that brings comfort and elegance to your table.

Cheesecake That Swirls in Classic Pecan Pie Richness

• Whip Up Effortless Decadence: This pecan pie cheesecake combines two beloved desserts into one spectacular treat without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations where you want to impress guests with a rich, luxurious dessert that looks professionally made.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert entirely in advance, giving you stress-free entertainment options and allowing flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator before serving.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful contrast between the creamy smooth cheesecake base and the crunchy, caramelized pecan topping that delivers multiple layers of deliciousness in every single bite.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Pantry Essentials

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for a sweet and crunchy foundation.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel-like sweetness.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust together.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm, subtle spice.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy base for cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• Eggs: Helps set and bind the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic aromatic flavor.

• Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup: Creates a rich, sticky caramel sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess.
• Butter: Enhances the topping's richness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Pecans: Provides nutty crunch and signature flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the topping's flavor.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Baking and Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until combined.

Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.

Pour over cooled crust. Bake 55–60 minutes. Cool, then refrigerate 4 hours to set.

Step 3: Cook Pecan Topping

Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, and salt in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Fold in pecans and vanilla extract. Cook 3–4 minutes until thickened. Cool slightly.

Step 4: Finish and Chill

Spread pecan topping evenly over chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Slice and enjoy.

Tips That Help with Pecan Pie Cheesecake

• Nail the Crust Texture: Use freshly ground graham crackers for a crispier, more flavorful base that holds together perfectly.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: Bake in a water bath or place a pan of water in the oven to create humidity and prevent surface cracking.
• Pecan Topping Pro Tip: Toast pecans briefly before adding to the caramel sauce to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the dessert.
• Smooth Cheesecake Technique: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and mix on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air and potential cracking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.

Keep That Pecan Pie Cheesecake Chilled Right

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the cheesecake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften.
• Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow the cheesecake to soften and develop better flavor.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Matches

• Bourbon Brilliance: Pair this decadent pecan pie cheesecake with a smooth bourbon that complements the caramel-like pecan topping, bringing out rich nutty flavors and cutting through the creamy cheesecake.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Select a sweet late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti to match the pie's sweetness, with its fruity notes providing a delightful contrast to the rich, nutty dessert.
• Coffee Companion: Serve with a dark roast coffee or espresso, whose robust and slightly bitter profile balances the cheesecake's intense sweetness and enhances the deep caramel and pecan notes.
• Vanilla Ice Cream Accent: Top or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a creamy, cold counterpoint that melts beautifully into the warm pecan topping and adds luxurious texture.

Rich Dessert Ideas for Pecan Pie Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for the entire recipe.
• Vegan Pecan Pie Cheesecake: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu. Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Cheesecake: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup. Add a splash of bourbon to the pecan topping for depth of flavor. Sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top for crunch.
• Low-Carb Pecan Pie Cheesecake: Use almond flour or coconut flour for the crust. Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia. Reduce corn syrup and use sugar-free alternatives like sugar-free maple syrup.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Use a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water while baking. This helps create a more even temperature and reduces surface cracking.

• Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dessert up to 3 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated and covered until ready to serve. The flavors actually improve as it sits.

• What if my pecan topping is too runny?

If the topping seems thin, continue cooking it a few more minutes to help it thicken. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon before removing from heat. Let it cool slightly before spreading over the cheesecake.

• Is it okay to use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them similarly to maintain the texture of the original recipe.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent pecan pie cheesecake merges classic Southern dessert flavors into one irresistible masterpiece. Creamy cheesecake layers nestled with caramelized pecans promise a delightful experience that brings comfort and celebration to your table.

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Ingredients

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Cheesecake Base:

• 3 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust:

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Pecan Pie Topping:

• 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan, creating an even base. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
2. Whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, incorporating eggs individually to maintain a luxurious texture. Gently fold in vanilla extract, ensuring a uniform mixture. Carefully pour the cream cheese batter over the cooled crust.
3. Bake the cheesecake in a preheated oven for approximately one hour, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates perfect doneness. Remove from oven and let the cheesecake rest at room temperature.
4. Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for several hours to achieve optimal firmness and set the delicate structure.
5. Prepare the decadent pecan topping by combining brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
6. Introduce chopped pecans and vanilla to the caramel-like sauce, allowing the ingredients to meld together for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let the topping cool slightly to thicken.
7. Generously spread the pecan caramel over the chilled cheesecake, ensuring an even distribution of nuts and sauce.
8. Return the completed dessert to the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the topping to set and flavors to intensify before serving.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour cookies to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar quantities for a lighter, healthier version of this decadent dessert.
• Toast pecans before adding to the topping for an enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Prevent cheesecake cracks by using a water bath during baking and letting it cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 46 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg