This Pecan Cheesecake Pie is the ultimate dessert for cheesecake and pecan pie lovers alike. It combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the nutty sweetness of pecan pie, creating a truly decadent masterpiece.
This recipe offers a detailed guide with easy-to-follow steps, ensuring success even for beginner bakers. We'll walk you through making a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, and a gooey pecan topping that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
* 1 sleeve (approximately 9 squares) graham crackers, finely crushed
* 5 tablespoons melted butter
* ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
* Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake:
* 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 3 large eggs
* ¼ cup sour cream
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Topping:
* 4 tablespoons butter
* ½ cup packed light brown sugar
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ cup heavy cream
* 1 ¾ cups whole or chopped pecans
* Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray for easy removal later.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Use a spoon or the back of a measuring cup to ensure an even and compact crust.
3. Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened cream cheese and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
4. Incorporate the Remaining Filling Ingredients: Once the eggs are incorporated, add the sour cream, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be smooth and free of lumps.
5. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent leaks. Place the pan on a baking sheet for added stability during baking. Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour, or until the center is slightly set but still has a slight jiggle.
6. Cool Slowly: Once the cheesecake is done baking, turn off the oven and crack open the door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour. This slow cooling helps prevent cracks from forming on the top of the cheesecake.
7. Refrigerate for Setting: After the initial cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake and transfer it to the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 5 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the cheesecake to fully set and achieve its signature creamy texture.
8. Prepare the Pecan Topping: While the cheesecake chills, prepare the decadent pecan topping. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together until smooth and bubbly. Stir in the cinnamon, heavy cream, pecans, and salt. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for about 20 minutes. The topping should be thick and pourable.
9. Assemble and Serve: Once the cheesecake is chilled and the pecan topping is cool, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan by carefully releasing the latch. Pour the pecan topping evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Slice and serve.
Tips:
* For a richer flavor profile, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar in both the crust and the topping.
* Toasting the pecans before adding them to the topping adds an extra layer of nutty flavor. Simply spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
* To prevent the edges of the crust from burning during baking, you can cover them with foil strips before placing the cheesecake in the oven. Remove the foil strips in the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the crust to brown slightly.
Enjoy this delightful Pecan Cheesecake Pie, and share it with friends and family for a truly memorable dessert experience!