Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes

Prepare to embark on a journey of pure indulgence with our Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes recipe! These adorable treats combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the irresistible flavors of pecan pie, creating a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, these mini cheesecakes are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create these miniature delights that pack a big punch of flavor!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

• 1 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
• 10 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

For the Crust:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press Crust: Press about a tablespoon of the crust mixture into the bottom of each paper liner, using the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
4. Bake: Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let them cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Fill Crusts: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crusts in the muffin tin, filling each liner almost to the top.
5. Bake: Bake the mini cheesecakes in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly jiggly.
6. Cool: Remove the mini cheesecakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

1. Prepare Pecan Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Top Cheesecakes: Spoon the pecan pie topping evenly over the cooled mini cheesecakes, pressing it gently into the surface.
3. Chill: Place the mini cheesecakes in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
4. Serve: Before serving, garnish each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy the irresistible flavors of pecan pie and cheesecake in every bite!

Cook Notes and Variations

• Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans before chopping them enhances their flavor and adds a delicious nuttiness to the topping.
• Make-Ahead Option: These mini pecan pie cheesecakes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
• Garnish Ideas: In addition to whipped cream, you can also garnish these mini cheesecakes with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of additional chopped pecans for extra flair.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can make a keto-friendly version of Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes:

• Crust Substitute: Replace the graham cracker crust with a keto-friendly crust made from almond flour, coconut flour, and melted butter.
• Sweetener: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar in both the crust and the cheesecake filling.
• Pecan Topping: Opt for a sugar-free sweetener and a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum or glucomannan powder in the pecan pie topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of nut for the topping? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts in place of pecans for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I freeze these mini cheesecakes? A: Yes, you can freeze the mini pecan pie cheesecakes for up to 1 month. Wrap each cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I use store-bought pie filling instead of making the pecan topping from scratch? A: Yes, you can use store-bought pecan pie filling if you’re short on time. Simply spoon the pie filling over the cooled mini cheesecakes and chill as directed.

Q: Can I make these mini cheesecakes in advance for a party? A: Absolutely! These mini pecan pie cheesecakes are perfect for making ahead of time for parties or gatherings. Simply prepare them as directed, chill until ready to serve, and garnish just before serving for the best presentation.

Q: Can I omit the sour cream from the cheesecake filling? A: While sour cream adds richness and tanginess to the cheesecake filling, you can omit it if you prefer. The cheesecakes will still be delicious without it, but they may have a slightly different texture.

In conclusion, Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts – pecan pie and cheesecake – that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With their creamy cheesecake filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and decadent pecan pie topping, these miniature treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them up at a holiday gathering, special celebration, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these mini cheesecakes are guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of pecan pie and cheesecake in every bite with this delightful recipe!