Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or ordinary desserts? Pecan Pie Cheesecake combines two classic favorites into one luscious, crowd-pleasing treat.

At dishfoody.com, the mission is to share recipes that make cooking feel joyful and approachable while delivering unforgettable flavors. This recipe features a creamy cheesecake base topped with a rich, gooey pecan pie mixture, all set on a buttery graham cracker crust.

This guide will walk you through why this recipe works, ingredient insight, detailed preparation and baking instructions, expert tips, creative flavor variations, serving recommendations, and FAQs.

Why This Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe Works

  • Combines the creamy smoothness of cheesecake with the crunchy sweetness of pecan pie
  • Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients with simple techniques for maximum flavor
  • Perfect for holiday desserts, family gatherings, or special occasions with impressive results

Ingredients & Prep for Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (~18 whole crackers)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

  • 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

Pecan Pie Topping Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2½ cups coarsely chopped pecans

Prep Steps

Prepare crust by mixing crumbs, butter, and sugar; press into a 9-inch springform pan. Prepare cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese, sugar, and sour cream; then add eggs, vanilla, and salt. Combine topping ingredients except pecans in saucepan to melt and thicken, then stir in pecans.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Pre-Cooking Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line springform pan with parchment paper.

Cooking Method

  1. Press crust mixture firmly into pan bottom.
  2. Beat cheesecake filling until smooth; pour over crust.
  3. Bake cheesecake layer for about 30-35 minutes until almost set.
  4. Remove from oven and pour pecan pie topping evenly over cheesecake.
  5. Return to oven and bake another 25-30 minutes until topping is bubbly and set.
  6. Cool on wire rack, then refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight to fully set.

Doneness Check

Cheesecake should be mostly firm but slightly jiggly in center; topping thick and golden.

Resting

Chill adequately for clean slicing and enhanced flavors.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Cheesecake

  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smooth filling.
  • Wrap springform with foil to prevent water from leaking if baking in water bath.
  • Don’t overbake cheesecake to avoid cracks; remove when center slightly wobbles.

Flavor Variations for Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg to the pecan topping for warmth.

Keto/Paleo

Use almond flour crust and a sugar substitute in filling and topping.

Global Flavors

  • Mexican: Add cinnamon and chili powder with chopped pecans.
  • Italian: Mix mascarpone into cheesecake for creamier texture.
  • Southern: Incorporate bourbon or rum in topping for depth.
VariationKey IngredientDietary TagFlavor Profile
Spicy TwistCayenne, nutmegWarmComplex, spicy
Keto/PaleoAlmond flourLow-carbNutty, rich
Global FlavorsBourbon, mascarponeExoticRobust, creamy

Serving Suggestions for Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Serve chilled with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Pair with coffee or dessert wine.

FAQs for Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and chill overnight for best flavor and texture.

How do I prevent cheesecake cracks?
Use water bath and avoid overbaking.

Is bourbon necessary?
No, vanilla can be substituted for alcohol.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Cheesecake blends rich, creamy cheesecake with buttery pecan pie topping for a show-stopping dessert perfect for holidays and celebrations. Explore more comforting recipes at dishfoody.com, and try our Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake Tacos next!

Print

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A decadent fusion of classic pecan pie and creamy cheesecake, layered together for the ultimate holiday dessert everyone will love.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 6 hrs (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Pecan Pie Topping:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
  • 2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
  • 3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla.
  • 4. Pour cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set. Let cool completely.
  • 5. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat until bubbling, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and pecans.
  • 6. Cool slightly, then pour the pecan mixture over the cheesecake.
  • 7. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, toast your pecans before adding them to the topping.
  • To prevent cracks, bake the cheesecake in a water bath.
  • Best served chilled with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Pecan Pie Cheesecake, holiday cheesecake, Thanksgiving dessert, southern cheesecake, pecan dessert

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