Heavenly Pecan Pie Cheesecake: A Marriage of Sweet Delights
Get ready to embark on a journey of indulgence with our Pecan Pie Cheesecake recipe. This heavenly dessert combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the irresistible nutty sweetness of pecan pie. With a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake filling, and a luscious pecan pie topping, this dessert is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds in awe. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a showstopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased springform pan to create an even crust. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to pack it down.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: 5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the pure vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan.
Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping: 9. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the dark corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the cheesecake filling in the springform pan.
- Carefully pour the pecan pie topping over the pecans.
Bake and Chill: 12. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- Bake the pecan pie cheesecake in the preheated oven for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
Serve and Enjoy: 16. Once the cheesecake is set, carefully remove it from the springform pan.
- Slice and serve your Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Optionally, drizzle each slice with caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cook’s Notes:
- To prevent cracks in your cheesecake, avoid overmixing the cheesecake filling and be sure not to overbake it. The center should have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven.
- For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the cheesecake.
- If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake is the dessert dreams are made of. It marries the velvety richness of cheesecake with the nutty sweetness of pecan pie, creating a showstopping treat that’s perfect for celebrations or indulgent moments. With its buttery graham cracker crust and layers of creamy cheesecake and luscious pecan pie, this dessert is a slice of heaven on a plate. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible charm of this dessert masterpiece!