Indulge in the rich flavors of this pecan pie cheesecake, a combination of two classic desserts in one. With a creamy cheesecake base and a sweet, nutty pecan topping, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or a pecan pie fan, this dessert will surely become a favorite!
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
For the cheesecake filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the pecan topping:
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Make the cheesecake filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake the cheesecake:
- Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Afterward, remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the pecan topping:
- In a saucepan, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, melted butter, and heavy cream.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy (about 5-7 minutes). Let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the cheesecake:
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, pour the pecan topping over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly across the top.
- Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to allow the topping to set.
Total Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5 hours (including refrigeration)
Conclusion:
This Pecan Pie Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests with its luxurious layers and sweet nutty flavor. The combination of the smooth cheesecake and the crunchy pecan topping creates the perfect bite every time. Serve this at your next special occasion and watch as it becomes the star of the table!