Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

This Pecan Pie Cheesecake beautifully combines two beloved desserts into one indulgent treat. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, it offers a creamy cheesecake base topped with buttery pecans and rich caramel.

A round cheesecake with three visible layers sits on a wooden cake stand against a white marbled surface. The bottom crust layer is thin and dark brown, the middle layer is thick and creamy pale yellow, and the top layer consists of a glossy caramel sauce filled with whole and chopped pecans dripping slightly down the sides. The pecans are a rich brown, and the caramel is smooth with a shiny texture. In the background, there is a blurred stack of white plates and some small bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a springform pan by lightly greasing it.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to form the crust.
  3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly on top.
  5. Step 5: Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
  6. Step 6: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool slightly before drizzling the caramel sauce over the pecans. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use chopped pecans if you prefer smaller nut pieces distributed throughout the topping.
  • Replace caramel sauce with maple syrup or chocolate ganache for a different flavor twist.
  • For a firmer crust, bake the graham cracker base for 8 minutes before adding the filling.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature or serve chilled as preferred. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A slice of cheesecake with three layers sits on a white plate with a speckled rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly brown crust, the middle layer is a thick, smooth, creamy white cheesecake, and the top layer is a textured, golden-brown nut topping. A glossy caramel sauce is being poured over the slice, dripping down the sides and pooling on the plate. In the background, the rest of the cheesecake, missing the slice, rests on another white plate and a small glass jar filled with caramel sauce is visible, along with some stacked graham crackers. A silver fork lays next to the slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated. Chilling helps enhance the flavors and makes slicing easier.

What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs for the crust?

You can substitute crushed digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies for a slightly different flavor and texture in the crust.

Print

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Pecan Pie Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the sweet crunch of pecan pie toppings, finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. This decadent dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a fusion of two beloved desserts.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup melted butter

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the cheesecake evenly.
  2. Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create the crust base for the cheesecake.
  3. Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar, then the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and silky.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly on top of the filling. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
  5. Add Caramel Sauce: Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top before serving to add a sweet, gooey finish.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling without lumps.
  • To prevent cracking, avoid overbaking the cheesecake; it should still have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
  • For a more intense caramel flavor, warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling.
  • Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before removing the springform pan sides for clean slices.
  • Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Pecan Pie Cheesecake, Holiday dessert, Cheesecake recipe, Pecan pie, Caramel drizzle, Holiday baking

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating