Pecan Pie Cheesecake

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich flavors of pecan pie with the creamy goodness of cheesecake, you’re in for a treat! This Pecan Pie Cheesecake is a delightful twist on the traditional holiday favorite. Each slice is filled with a luscious cream cheese filling and topped with buttery, brown sugar-glazed pecans, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s not only delicious but also easy to make. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving something sweet after a long day, this cheesecake will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the festivities!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll whip this up in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cheesecake and pecan pie, making this dessert a sure hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for busy holidays, you can prepare this cheesecake in advance and let it chill until you’re ready to serve.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and pecans brings together a rich taste that is hard to resist.
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with glossy pecans, this cheesecake looks as good as it tastes, making it an impressive centerpiece for any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pecan Pie Cheesecake uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need:

For the Cheesecake Filling

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

For the Crust

• 1 sleeve graham crackers, finely crushed
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• Pinch of kosher salt

For the Pecan Pie Topping

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 3/4 cups whole or chopped pecans

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun variations you might want to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, fold in some chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling before baking.
• Use Different Nuts: Swap in walnuts or almonds if you prefer another nut flavor over pecans.
• Try Different Flavors: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or maple instead of vanilla for a unique taste.
• Make It Mini: Pour the batter into mini springform pans for individual servings—perfect for parties!

How to Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325ºF. Grease an 8 or 9 springform pan with cooking spray. This step is essential to ensure your cheesecake comes out smoothly after baking.

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 packed brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in sour cream, flour, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until fully combined. This creamy mixture will be the heart of your cheesecake!

Step 3: Make the Crust

In another bowl, combine finely crushed graham crackers with melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well blended and resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. A solid crust is important as it holds all that delicious filling together.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over your crust carefully. For even baking, wrap the bottom of your pan in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. If you’re feeling fancy, bake it in a water bath by placing it in a deep baking pan filled halfway with boiling water. Bake until the center slightly jiggles—about 1 hour and 30 minutes. After baking, turn off the heat but leave the door slightly open to cool down gradually for about an hour.

Step 5: Chill

Remove aluminum foil from around the pan and refrigerate your cheesecake until it’s firm—this usually takes at least 5 hours or overnight if you’re planning ahead.

Step 6: Make Pecan Pie Topping

In a nonstick skillet over low heat, melt butter and brown sugar together until bubbly—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Stir in cinnamon, heavy cream, pecans, and salt until everything is evenly coated. Remove from heat and let cool slightly; this step adds that irresistible topping that makes every bite special.

Step 7: Serve

Once chilled and set, release the springform pan from your cheesecake carefully. Spoon over that delicious cooled pecan pie topping right before serving—and enjoy every delightful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Creating the perfect pecan pie cheesecake is easier than you might think — just follow these helpful tips to ensure your dessert turns out beautifully!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your cream cheese and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.

• Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air into the batter, leading to cracks during baking.

• Water bath for a creamy texture: Baking your cheesecake in a water bath helps regulate the temperature and moisture level in the oven, resulting in a luscious, creamy texture that’s less prone to cracking.

• Cool gradually: After baking, let your cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar. This gradual cooling process minimizes the chances of cracks forming on the surface.

• Chill overnight: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate your cheesecake overnight. This resting period allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Presenting your pecan pie cheesecake in an inviting way can elevate its appeal at any gathering. Here are some delightful ways to serve this scrumptious dessert!

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich cheesecake.
• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch that complements the sweetness of the pecans.
• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Fresh seasonal fruits: A platter of sliced apples, pears, or berries provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheesecake.
• Ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a classic pairing that brings warmth and creaminess.
• Coffee or tea: Offering freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea creates a comforting finish to the meal and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Nutty granola: A side of crunchy nut-based granola adds an interesting texture contrast and complements the nutty flavors of the pecans in your cheesecake.

By following these serving suggestions and pro tips, your pecan pie cheesecake will not only taste incredible but also look stunning on any holiday table! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pecan Pie Cheesecake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free dessert during the holidays or special gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Wrap slices of cheesecake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and type of dessert.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For best results, let the cheesecake come to room temperature after removing it from the refrigerator.
• If desired, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power.

FAQs

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

Can I use a different kind of nut instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly!

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

The cheesecake is ready when the center jiggles slightly but is not liquid. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

Can I make Pecan Pie Cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake is great for preparing in advance. Make it a day or two ahead of your event for optimal flavor and ease.

What should I serve with Pecan Pie Cheesecake?

This rich cheesecake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh fruit, like berries, can also add a refreshing contrast.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pecan Pie Cheesecake brings joy to your holiday table! The creamy texture and sweet pecan topping create an irresistible treat that your friends and family will love. Enjoy making it as much as you will savor each slice—happy baking!