Description
Few desserts capture the heart of a holiday table quite like a slice of Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Imagine the creamy decadence of classic cheesecake, with the nutty, caramel-rich crunch of pecan pie crowning every bite. This stunning layered dessert brings the best of both worlds together: a buttery graham cracker crust, ultra-smooth cheesecake filling, and a gooey pecan pie topping that drips down the sides. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply treating yourself to something extra special, this showstopper is guaranteed to draw a crowd.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup melted butter in a bowl until moistened. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes and cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat 24 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each. Mix in 1 cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons flour until just combined.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top. Place the springform pan into a larger baking dish and fill the outer dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the pan to create a water bath.
5. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is almost set but slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. For the topping, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 2/3 cup light corn syrup, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 1 1/2 cups toasted pecan halves. Let cool until slightly thickened but still pourable.
7. Carefully remove the chilled cheesecake from the pan and transfer to a serving plate. Spoon the pecan pie topping over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Slice and serve.
Notes
For best results, toast the pecan halves in a dry skillet before adding to the topping for extra flavor and crunch.
Use a water bath during baking to prevent cracking and ensure a silky-smooth texture.
The cheesecake can be made 1–2 days in advance and kept chilled; add the pecan topping just before serving for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: pecan pie cheesecake, cheesecake, Thanksgiving dessert, holiday baking, make-ahead dessert