Indulge in the ultimate holiday dessert with this Pecan Pie Cheesecake! Combining the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the sweet, nutty flavor of pecan pie, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion. Perfect for festive gatherings, special dinners, or a decadent treat at home, our Pecan Pie Cheesecake recipe is easy to follow and yields a luscious, crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or a fan of pecan pie, this dessert brings the best of both worlds in every bite.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20-85 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 400
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
Why Make This Pecan Pie Cheesecake
If you’re a fan of creamy cheesecake and the rich, sweet crunch of pecan pie, this Pecan Pie Cheesecake is a divine match made in dessert heaven! With its smooth and velvety texture, this cheesecake offers the perfect blend of sweetness and nuttiness that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthdays, and special occasions, this dessert not only looks stunning but also gives a delightful flavor profile. Imagine cutting into a perfect slice and revealing the creamy layers topped with a gooey pecan pie filling!
How to Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a solid crust layer.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined. Pour this delicious mixture over the prepared crust.
Step 4: Create the Pecan Topping
In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. Heat until melted and smooth while stirring. Once combined, stir in the chopped pecans to coat them evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the pecan mixture over the cream cheese layer in the springform pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is just set but slightly jiggles.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan, slice, and serve to enjoy this decadent dessert!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Serve your Pecan Pie Cheesecake chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making it a perfect finish for any meal.
How to Store Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cheesecake will stay fresh for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Cheesecake
- Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened. This prevents lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix only until the ingredients are combined to prevent too much air from getting into the mixture, which can lead to cracks.
- Use Fresh Pecans: Opt for fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor and crunch; they make a big difference in this recipe.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Letting the cheesecake cool slowly will help prevent cracks on the surface.
- Add a Splash of Bourbon: For a little extra flavor depth, consider adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the pecan mixture.
Delicious Variations
- Choco-Nut Delight: Mix in a half cup of chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute chopped pecans with chopped peanuts or leave them out completely for a smoother texture.
- Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake: Add in a half cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the cheesecake filling for a fall-inspired treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! You can substitute pecans with walnuts or any other nut of your choice, adjusting the flavor profile accordingly. - What can I do if my cheesecake cracks?
Cracks can happen but they don’t affect the taste! You can cover cracks with whipped cream or chocolate drizzle as a simple fix. - Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers or ground nuts mixed with a little butter and sugar as an alternative for the crust. - How can I tell if the cheesecake is done?
The cheesecake should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools. - What’s the best way to slice cheesecake?
For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wipe it dry between cuts for a tidy presentation.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Cheesecake combines all the flavors you love from traditional pecan pie and creamy cheesecake to create an irresistible dessert. It’s smooth, nutty, and utterly delightful, making it a standout treat for any occasion. Whether served warm or chilled, each bite is a reminder of cozy gatherings and sweet celebrations. Get ready to impress your family and friends – this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire! Make it this weekend and experience the love that goes into every delicious slice!
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Pecan Pie Cheesecake
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy cheesecake topped with a rich pecan pie filling, blending sweetness and nuttiness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Pour over the crust.
- In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. Heat until melted and smooth, then stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the cheesecake layer. Bake for 55-60 minutes until just set in the center.
- Cool at room temperature and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Remove the springform pan, slice, and serve chilled.
Notes
For a twist, consider adding a splash of bourbon to the pecan mixture or incorporating chocolate chips into the batter.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
