Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe: A Perfect Holiday Dessert Mashup

Pecan Pie Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert fusion, combining the rich, gooey caramel goodness of classic pecan pie with the creamy, tangy texture of cheesecake. This delightful recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a unique twist on two beloved treats. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, preparing for a family gathering, or simply craving a decadent dessert, this pecan pie cheesecake recipe is sure to leave your taste buds dancing.

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Imagine the buttery graham cracker and pecan crust giving way to a luscious, velvety cheesecake filling, all topped off with a warm, sweet pecan pie topping. The combination of flavors is irresistible, and the textures—from the crunchy nuts to the smooth cheesecake and gooey topping—create a truly magical dessert experience. The best part? It’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead, making it an ideal choice for entertaining or special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 13 graham crackers
• ¾ cup pecan halves
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• ½ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake:

• 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

• 1 ¾ cups pecan halves, chopped
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

For the Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly spray the dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the crust from sticking. For the crust, take a large food processor and add the graham crackers, pecans, and brown sugar. Pulse until the mixture turns into fine crumbs. Next, pour in the melted butter and pulse again until everything is combined into a moist, crumbly mixture.

Transfer the crumb mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press the crumbs down firmly to form an even layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, allowing it to set and become lightly golden.

For the Cheesecake: While the crust is baking, clean the food processor bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla extract, and salt into the processor. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. This will form the base for your cheesecake filling.

Once the crust is out of the oven, carefully pour the cheesecake batter over it. Give the dish a gentle tap on the counter to remove any air bubbles and ensure the batter is evenly distributed. Bake the cheesecake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cheesecake should be set with a slight jiggle in the middle.

For the Pecan Pie Topping: While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the pecan pie topping. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and become wonderfully gooey. Once ready, remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside.

Assembling the Pecan Pie Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Pour the warm pecan pie topping over the cheesecake, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. The topping will add a beautiful caramelized finish and a delightful crunch from the pecans.

Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. The chilling time is essential for the cheesecake to fully set and develop its perfect texture.

After chilling, the cheesecake is ready to be sliced into bars or wedges. For clean, neat slices, use a serrated knife and wipe the blade with a wet paper towel between cuts.

Helpful Tips and Variations:

• If you prefer a traditional round cheesecake instead of bars, follow these simple adjustments. Use a 9 ½ inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Clamp the ring tightly around the pan and press the graham cracker crust mixture up the sides of the pan as well as the bottom. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then add the cheesecake batter and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set. Pour half of the pecan pie topping over the cheesecake and chill it for at least 3 hours before removing it from the springform pan.
• For an added layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the pecan topping. This will give the dessert a subtle depth and make it even more indulgent. Just be sure to cook off the alcohol during the simmering process.
• If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese and the heavy cream with a lighter alternative, such as half-and-half. While these substitutions may slightly alter the texture, the dessert will still be delicious.
• For an even more festive touch, try garnishing the cheesecake with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. You can also top each slice with a few extra chopped pecans for an added crunch.

Serving Suggestions: Pecan Pie Cheesecake is best served chilled, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine. It makes an impressive centerpiece for holiday dinners, birthday parties, or any occasion that calls for something special. The rich, creamy filling and the warm, sweet topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

For a more indulgent treat, serve the cheesecake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of the cold ice cream with the warm, gooey pecan topping is simply divine.

Conclusion: This Pecan Pie Cheesecake recipe brings together two iconic desserts in a way that will wow your friends and family. The smooth and creamy cheesecake, the crunchy, nutty crust, and the gooey, sweet pecan topping are a winning combination. Whether you’re a fan of cheesecake, pecan pie, or both, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your holiday recipe repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delicious magic of this decadent treat!