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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for several hours to achieve optimal firmness and set the delicate structure.
- 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.
- 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.
- Generously spread the pecan caramel over the chilled cheesecake, ensuring an even distribution of nuts and sauce.
- 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