Pecan Cheesecake

by


History

Cheesecake traces back to ancient Greece, but the modern American style emerged in New York with the use of cream cheese. Pecan desserts, especially pecan pie, are a Southern staple in the United States. Pecan cheesecake beautifully marries the creaminess of cheesecake with the toasty, caramelized nuttiness of pecans, creating a luxurious hybrid dessert often served at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed)
  • ½ cup finely chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened (about 675g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt

Pecan Topping

  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter.
  3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract, flour, and salt.
  4. Gently fold in sour cream until smooth.
  5. Pour filling over the crust.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

  1. Place springform pan in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides (water bath method prevents cracks).
  2. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  3. Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour.
  4. Remove from oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
  2. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and toasted pecans.
  4. Let cool slightly, then spoon over chilled cheesecake.

Benefits

  • Rich & satisfying – combines protein-rich cream cheese with heart-healthy pecans.
  • Perfect balance – creamy, tangy cheesecake paired with sweet, nutty caramel topping.
  • Holiday-worthy – looks elegant and festive on any dessert table.
  • Customizable – swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, or swirl caramel into the filling for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Pecan Cheesecake is like the best of both worlds: the smooth, creamy elegance of cheesecake with the indulgent crunch and caramel-like sweetness of pecan pie. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy Sunday treat, this dessert is guaranteed to impress and disappear quickly.

Leave a Comment