Pecan Pie Cheesecake is a divine fusion of two beloved desserts: rich and creamy cheesecake with the nutty, caramelized goodness of a pecan pie topping. Set on a graham cracker crust with finely processed pecans, the cheesecake is baked and topped with a luscious pecan pie filling that caramelizes beautifully during baking. Perfect for fall gatherings or any special occasion, this decadent dessert offers the best of both worlds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
-
For the Crust:
-
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
-
1 cup pecans, finely processed
-
¼ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
-
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
-
For the Filling:
-
16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
½ cup sour cream, room temperature
-
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly whisked
-
-
For the Topping:
-
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
-
⅔ cup dark corn syrup
-
1 tablespoon dark rum (or vanilla extract)
-
¼ cup unsalted butter
-
3 large eggs
-
¼ cup heavy cream
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
2½ cups roughly chopped pecans
-
Directions
-
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining it with parchment paper and applying non-stick spray. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, processed pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Allow the crust to cool. -
Prepare the Filling:
Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). In a stand mixer, blend the cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gently fold in the eggs using a spatula. Pour the mixture into the cooled crust and bake for 40 minutes. -
Prepare the Topping:
In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, rum, and butter. Cook over medium heat until the mixture boils and let it boil for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and heavy cream, then combine with the cooled syrup mixture. Add the chopped pecans and mix well. -
Assemble and Bake:
After 40 minutes, remove the cheesecake from the oven. Pour the pecan topping over the cheesecake, making sure the syrup doesn’t exceed the crust to prevent sogginess. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes until the topping is golden brown. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the cheesecake cool on a rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight for best results). Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan, transfer to a serving dish, and slice with a sharp knife. For clean slices, freeze for 1-2 hours before cutting.
Nutrients
For one slice (based on 9 servings):
-
Calories: 480 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 48g
-
Protein: 7g
-
Fat: 30g
-
Saturated Fat: 12g
-
-
Cholesterol: 85mg
-
Sodium: 230mg
-
Sugar: 37g
Why Pecan Pie Cheesecake is So Popular
Pecan Pie Cheesecake is adored for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy cheesecake filling provides a velvety smooth contrast to the rich and nutty topping, which offers a satisfying crunch and sweetness. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and caramelized pecan topping creates an irresistible dessert that captures the essence of both pecan pie and cheesecake in every bite.
This dessert is especially popular during the fall and winter months, making it the ideal treat for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks. The pecan pie topping adds a festive touch, while the cheesecake base makes it indulgent and perfect for a special occasion. Additionally, the unique fusion of flavors makes it a memorable dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Pecan Pie Cheesecake might sound like a complex dessert, but it’s actually easy to prepare. With clear steps for each component—crust, filling, and topping—you can easily create this indulgent treat at home. Here’s how to make Pecan Pie Cheesecake:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and apply non-stick spray to the sides. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, finely processed pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake it in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). In a stand mixer, combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the lightly whisked eggs using a spatula, ensuring the mixture is combined without overmixing. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Bake for 40 minutes until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, dark rum (or vanilla extract), and butter. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 2 more minutes before removing it from the heat. Allow the syrup mixture to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and heavy cream. Gradually add this mixture to the cooled syrup, whisking continuously to combine. Stir in the chopped pecans and mix well.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Once the cheesecake has baked for 40 minutes, remove it from the oven. Pour the pecan topping evenly over the cheesecake, being careful not to let the syrup exceed the crust to avoid sogginess. Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. After it has cooled slightly, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best results. When ready to serve, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. For cleaner slices, freeze the cheesecake for 1-2 hours before cutting. Slice with a sharp knife and serve.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion
Pecan Pie Cheesecake is the ideal dessert for any special occasion, from holiday dinners to family celebrations. Its stunning appearance and combination of two beloved desserts make it a showstopper, perfect for impressing your guests. The richness of the cheesecake filling paired with the sweet, crunchy pecan topping offers a flavor profile that suits a wide variety of tastes.
It’s also a versatile dessert. While it’s perfect for fall and winter celebrations, its rich, indulgent flavors make it a great treat year-round. Whether served at a Thanksgiving feast or a casual dinner party, Pecan Pie Cheesecake brings a touch of elegance and flavor to any gathering.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Cheesecake is a rich, decadent dessert that combines the smoothness of cheesecake with the nutty, caramelized flavor of pecan pie. The perfect treat for any special occasion, it brings together the best of both worlds—cheesecake and pecan pie—in one delightful dessert. With its beautiful layers and deep, rich flavors, Pecan Pie Cheesecake is sure to impress at any gathering, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy the sweet tooth of everyone who tries it. Whether for a holiday or any special celebration, this dessert is a must-try for those who love indulgent, crowd-pleasing treats.