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!
