Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Savor the best of both worlds with this creamy Pecan Pie Cheesecake that combines the rich flavors of traditional pecan pie and luscious cheesecake in one delicious dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety filling, and a luscious pecan topping, this show-stopping dessert is perfect for your Thanksgiving celebrations and will leave your guests craving more. Elevate your fall dessert game with this irresistible treat!
Pecan Pie Cheesecake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect centerpiece for any fall gathering.
A Perfect Holiday Dessert
The Pecan Pie Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors that perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit of the holidays. Imagine creamy cheesecake swirled with the nutty, sweet richness of pecan pie—it’s this union that will make your Thanksgiving dinner unforgettable. This dessert combines the best of both worlds and is sure to impress both friends and family.
This cheesecake not only looks stunning when served, but it also offers a perfect balance between smoothness and crunch. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a delightful base that contrasts beautifully with the decadent filling and pecan topping. Each slice is a journey through textures and tastes, providing a heavenly experience that contrasts with traditional, single-layer desserts.
Why Pecan Pie Cheesecake Stands Out
This recipe's unique combination of classic pecan pie and creamy cheesecake offers a distinctive twist that is hard to resist. The creamy filling is undeniably indulgent, yet it’s divine alongside the rich, syrupy topping that pecans bring to the table. With each bite, you experience the delightful interplay of flavors, which elevates it beyond typical dessert options.
Moreover, this cheesecake can be made ahead of time, making it a highly practical choice for any gathering. You can prepare it fully, store it in the fridge, and forget about it until it’s time to serve dessert, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your celebration. This benefit adds to its impressive appeal, making it a go-to recipe all season long.
Tips for the Best Cheesecake
For the ultimate Pecan Pie Cheesecake, allow your cheesecake to cool slowly and then chill it in the refrigerator for at least four hours before serving. This waiting period not only enhances the flavors but also ensures that the texture is perfectly creamy and set. The longer it chills, the more its flavors meld together beautifully.
When preparing the topping, make sure to stir continuously to avoid scorching. Allowing it to bubble slightly helps the flavors combine but be attentive to avoid burning your pecans. Opting for fresh, high-quality pecans will also elevate the overall taste, making your cheesecake even more remarkable when served to guests.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
For the Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Topping
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix well and layer accordingly for a delicious result!
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and sour cream until combined.
Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set. Let it cool completely.
Prepare the Topping
In a saucepan, combine chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat until bubbly.
Top the Cheesecake
Once the cheesecake is cool, pour the pecan topping over it. Allow it to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
Serve chilled with whipped cream if desired!
Serving Suggestions
The Pecan Pie Cheesecake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience further by serving it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, sweet warmth of ice cream complements the rich flavors of the cheesecake perfectly, creating a lovely balance in each mouthful. You might also consider garnishing with extra pecans for added texture.
Pairing this dessert with a glass of sweet dessert wine or spiced cider can enhance its flavors even more. The warm spice notes complement the pecans and enrich the overall tasting experience. This attention to detail in pairing will leave your guests mesmerized and eager for more.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing your Pecan Pie Cheesecake is straightforward. Once it has cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within five days, though it can last for up to a week. Make sure to remove it from the refrigerator about thirty minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature for a more pleasant taste experience.
This cheesecake is an excellent make-ahead dessert, allowing you to bake it one or two days in advance. Just be sure to keep it properly covered, so it maintains its freshness until you're ready to serve. Preparing it ahead of time not only saves you stress during the holidays but also lets the flavors marry beautifully.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Savor the best of both worlds with this creamy Pecan Pie Cheesecake that combines the rich flavors of traditional pecan pie and luscious cheesecake in one delicious dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety filling, and a luscious pecan topping, this show-stopping dessert is perfect for your Thanksgiving celebrations and will leave your guests craving more. Elevate your fall dessert game with this irresistible treat!
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
For the Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Topping
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and sour cream until combined.
Pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set. Let it cool completely.
In a saucepan, combine chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat until bubbly.
Once the cheesecake is cool, pour the pecan topping over it. Allow it to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 36g
- Protein: 6g