If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this delightful Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nutty sweetness of pecan pie, this recipe is a beautiful twist on two beloved favorites. It captures the essence of holiday gatherings and cozy celebrations, making it perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion. Each slice offers a little bit of indulgence that feels just right.

What makes this Pecan Pie Cheesecake so special? It’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying to share. The buttery graham cracker crust and the luscious pecan topping create a dessert that everyone will adore. Plus, it’s an exciting way to surprise those who think they know all about traditional desserts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and brown sugar creates a rich and velvety filling that melts in your mouth.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up this cheesecake without stress.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this dessert in advance, freeing up time for other holiday preparations.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will be drawn to the sweet pecan topping—it’s hard to resist!
Elegant Presentation: This cheesecake looks stunning on any dessert table, making it a great centerpiece for gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Pecan Pie Cheesecake is easy with these simple, wholesome ingredients. You probably have many of them already in your pantry! Let’s gather what you need to make this heavenly dessert.

For the Cheesecake Filling

Cooking spray
3 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
1 c. packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 c. sour cream
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. kosher salt

For the Graham Cracker Crust

1 sleeve graham crackers, finely crushed
5 tbsp. butter, melted
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
Pinch of kosher salt

For the Pecan Topping

4 tbsp. butter
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 c. heavy cream
1 3/4 c. whole or chopped pecans

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

Add Chocolate: Swirl in some melted chocolate into the cheesecake filling for a decadent touch.
Use Different Nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor twist.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for an extra layer of warmth.
Fruit Topping: Top with fresh berries instead of pecans for a fruity alternative.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325ºF and grease an 8 or 9 springform pan with cooking spray. This step ensures that your cheesecake releases easily after baking, preventing any sad moments when you try to slice it!

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or in a stand mixer using the paddle attachment), beat together the softened cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time—this helps incorporate air into the mixture for fluffiness—then mix in sour cream, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

In another bowl, mix together finely crushed graham crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt until combined. Press this mixture firmly into your prepared pan; this forms a sturdy base for your creamy filling.

Step 4: Bake Your Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust evenly. To prevent cracking while baking, wrap the bottom of your springform pan in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake until the center slightly jiggles—about 1 hour and 30 minutes is perfect! After baking, turn off the oven but leave the door ajar; let it cool inside for an hour before refrigerating until firm (at least five hours or overnight).

Step 5: Create Your Pecan Topping

Just before serving, melt butter and brown sugar together in a nonstick skillet over low heat until bubbly—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Stir in cinnamon, heavy cream, pecans, and salt until they are coated beautifully then remove from heat to cool slightly—this topping adds such delightful flavor!

Step 6: Serve Your Masterpiece

Release your cheesecake from its pan gently and spoon over that delicious pecan topping just before serving. Every bite will be rich and full of flavor—enjoy sharing this treat with loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Making the perfect pecan pie cheesecake is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks. Here are some pro tips to ensure your cheesecake turns out creamy and delicious every time!

Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to come to room temperature helps them blend together smoothly, creating a creamier texture without lumps.
Don’t overmix the filling: Mixing too much can incorporate air into the batter, causing the cheesecake to crack while baking. Mix just until everything is combined for a smoother finish.
Bake with care: If using a water bath, make sure it doesn’t splash into your cheesecake. This gentle cooking method keeps your dessert moist and helps prevent cracks.
Cool gradually: After baking, letting your cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.
Be patient with chilling: Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste and firmer texture.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cheesecake

When it’s time to enjoy your pecan pie cheesecake, presentation can elevate this delightful dessert even more. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve it up!

Garnishes

Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of homemade whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the richness of the cheesecake.
Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings on top for an elegant look that pairs beautifully with the nutty flavors.

Side Dishes

Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like berries and citrus can balance out the richness of the cheesecake.
Coffee or tea: Offering a hot beverage like coffee or herbal tea enhances the experience and provides a comforting finish.
Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to each slice of cheesecake, making every bite indulgent.
Caramel sauce drizzles: A drizzle of caramel sauce not only adds sweetness but also creates an eye-catching design on each plate.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your pecan pie cheesecake will be a stunning centerpiece at any holiday gathering or special occasion! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pecan Pie Cheesecake is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, making it a fantastic option for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator.
Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
Enjoy leftovers within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, first let the cheesecake cool completely.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat cheesecake; serve it chilled!
If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Pecan Pie Cheesecake.

Can I make Pecan Pie Cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it properly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftover Pecan Pie Cheesecake?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoyed within 3-5 days for the best taste.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Certainly! While pecans offer that classic flavor, feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds if you prefer something different.

How do I know when my Pecan Pie Cheesecake is done?

The center should jiggle slightly when you take it out of the oven; it will continue to set as it cools.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Pecan Pie Cheesecake! With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family—after all, good food is best enjoyed together!

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a slice of creamy bliss with this delightful Pecan Pie Cheesecake, a stunning combination of two beloved desserts. This cheesecake features a rich cream cheese filling topped with a decadent layer of brown sugar-glazed pecans, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this treat is sure to impress family and friends alike. Each bite offers a velvety texture and nutty sweetness, making it an unforgettable addition to any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Cooking spray
3 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
1 c. packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 c. sour cream
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1 sleeve graham crackers, finely crushed
5 tbsp. butter, melted
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
4 tbsp. butter
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 c. heavy cream
1 3/4 c. whole or chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325ºF and grease an 8" or 9" springform pan.
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then blend in sour cream, flour, vanilla extract, and salt.
For the crust, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt in another bowl. Press firmly into the prepared pan.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes until the center jiggles slightly.
After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour before refrigerating until firm (at least five hours or overnight).
Prepare the pecan topping by melting butter and brown sugar in a skillet over low heat; stir in cinnamon, heavy cream, pecans, and salt until coated.