Butter Pecan Cheesecake

Table of Contents

Butter Pecan Cheesecake 🍰

A decadent Southern-inspired dessert with a buttery pecan crust, creamy cheesecake, and caramelized praline topping!

Prep Time: 30 mins | Bake Time: 55 mins | Chill Time: 6+ hrs | Total Time: 7.5 hrs
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
½ cup (60g) finely chopped toasted pecans

For the Cheesecake Filling:

2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) sour cream
¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream

For the Butter Pecan Praline Topping:

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups (150g) toasted pecan halves
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prep:

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap a 9-inch springform pan in foil (to prevent water seepage for water bath).

2. Make the Crust:

Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Press into the pan bottom and 1 inch up the sides.
Bake for 10 mins, then cool.

3. Make the Filling:

Beat cream cheese + sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream.
Pour into crust. Place pan in a water bath (roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides).
Bake 45-55 mins until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cool 1 hour inside.

4. Make the Praline Topping:

In a saucepan, melt butter + brown sugar over medium heat. Simmer 2 mins, then add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Stir in pecans.
Cool slightly, then spread over chilled cheesecake.

5. Chill & Serve:

Refrigerate at least 6 hours (overnight best). Run a knife around edges before releasing the springform.

Tips for Success 🌟

Toast pecans for max flavor: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 mins until fragrant.
Prevent cracks: Avoid overmixing batter, and cool gradually in the oven.
Serving: Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and whipped cream!

Why You’ll Love It ❤️

✅ Rich, nutty, and caramelized—like pecan pie meets cheesecake!
✅ Silky-smooth texture with a crunchy praline crown.
✅ Impressive but easy—perfect for holidays or dinner parties.

Slice, savor, and enjoy! 😍

Would you like a mini cheesecake version or a chocolate-pecan twist? Let me know!