Pecan pie cheesecake is a two-for-one dessert that everyone goes crazy for. Buttery pecans are incorporated in both the crust and topping for maximum pecan pie flavor!
32ouncesbrick-style cream cheesesoftened to room temperature
1cupfull-fat sour creamroom temperature (230 grams)
½cupgranulated sugar(100 grams)
½cuppacked light or dark brown sugar(100 grams)
½teaspoonground cinnamonoptional
2teaspoonspure vanilla extract
4large eggsroom temperature
Pecan Pie Topping
2cupspecan halves
6tablespoonsunsalted butter(85 grams)
⅔cuppacked light or dark brown sugar(135 grams)
¼teaspoonground cinnamon
⅛teaspoonsalt
½cupheavy whipping cream
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
Instructions
To make the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Combine the crushed graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, and granulated sugar in a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Add the melted butter and mix until all of the crumbs are moistened.
Scoop the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and firmly press it down into one even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely while you make the filling.
To make the filling: Set a large pot of water on the stove to boil for the water bath before getting started with the filling. Keep the oven temperature at 325°F (163°C).
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese on low-medium speed until smooth. Add the sour cream and mix until fully combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
In a separate small mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the beaten eggs to the mixing bowl with the cheesecake filling and mix on low speed until just combined. Use a rubber spatula to turn the filling a few times to make sure everything is fully mixed together. Set aside.
Wrap the springform pan with the pre-baked graham cracker crust in aluminum foil, then place it into a large oven bag. Fold the oven bag down the sides of the springform pan.
Pour the cheesecake filling into the springform pan and smooth it out into one even layer. Tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to bring any air bubbles to the top, then use a toothpick or skewer to remove any large air bubbles and smooth them out.
Carefully place the wrapped springform pan into the roasting pan. Add the boiling water you started before the filling to the roasting pan until it is about 1-inch deep.
Transfer the roasting pan with the cheesecake to the oven and bake for 65 to 75 minutes or until the edges of the cheesecake are set and the center is still very slightly jiggly. Turn the oven off, crack the oven door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the warm oven for 1 hour.
After the cheesecake has cooled for 1 hour in the oven, remove it from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cover tightly and transfer to the refrigerator to chill overnight (or at least 6 hours).
To make the pecan pie topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the pecans evenly onto the baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until fragrant. Set aside to cool completely.
Slice the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and place it in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow to simmer for one minute.
Quickly stir in the heavy cream, then remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans.
Transfer to a heat-safe bowl and allow to cool for 20 to 30 minutes before topping the cheesecake.
Video
Notes
Storage Instructions: Cheesecake may be covered tightly or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Freezing Instructions: Cheesecake without the topping will freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then make and add the topping right before serving.