Where silky cheesecake meets southern pecan pie in a dessert you’ll never forget.
Why This Recipe Works
This decadent dessert is the ultimate holiday showstopper or weekend treat for those who love creamy textures and nutty caramel goodness. The graham cracker crust offers a buttery crunch, while the rich cheesecake middle melts in your mouth. Topping it off? A warm, sticky pecan glaze that brings everything together like a sweet southern hug.
Ingredients
You’ll need three components: the crust, the cheesecake filling, and the pecan topping. Each one is straightforward to make and together, they create a flawless, layered dessert.
For the Crust
(See “Pecan Cheesecake Pie – Crust Ingredients” table above)
- Graham crackers (finely crushed)
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar (packed)
- Salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
(See “Pecan Cheesecake Pie – Cheesecake Filling” table above)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Brown sugar (packed)
- Large eggs
- Sour cream
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
For the Pecan Topping
(See “Pecan Cheesecake Pie – Pecan Topping” table above)
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Heavy cream
- Whole or chopped pecans
- Salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Optional: Line the base with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
- In a bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until the crumbs are fully moistened and clump together slightly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan using the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
Tip: Don’t rush this step. A firmly packed crust helps hold the structure when slicing later.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup brown sugar together until creamy and lump-free.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed until just combined. Don’t overbeat.
- Add the sour cream, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth.
Why low speed? Overmixing can add too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake.
Step 4: Assemble and Water Bath
- Pour the cheesecake filling evenly into your prepared crust.
- Wrap the base and sides of the springform pan with a double layer of aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped pan into a larger roasting pan and add about 1 inch of hot water to the bottom of the roasting pan. This creates a gentle baking environment (called a water bath) that helps prevent cracks.
Step 5: Bake and Cool Slowly
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- When the hour is up, turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake rest inside for another 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.
Tip: Cheesecake is best when chilled thoroughly, allowing the texture to firm up beautifully.
Step 6: Make the Pecan Topping
While your cheesecake chills, prepare the star of the show: the pecan topping.
- In a medium skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over low heat.
- Add ½ cup brown sugar and stir until dissolved and bubbling gently.
- Stir in ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1¾ cups pecans, and a pinch of salt.
- Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Allow the mixture to cool and thicken for 15–20 minutes at room temperature.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
- Remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and place on a serving platter.
- Pour the cooled (but still soft) pecan topping over the cheesecake, spreading evenly to the edges.
Final flourish: Garnish with a few extra whole pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
- Slice carefully with a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts.
- Serve and watch faces light up!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days, covered tightly.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cheesecake (without topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before topping and serving.
Variations
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the pecan topping for an extra decadent finish.
- Maple flavor: Add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the pecan topping instead of cinnamon.
- Bourbon twist: Stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the pecan topping for a rich, smoky edge—perfect for holidays.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
This pie combines two iconic desserts—cheesecake and pecan pie—into one unforgettable treat. The layers of texture and flavor play beautifully together, offering a buttery crunch, smooth middle, and sweet finish in every bite.
Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a birthday dinner, this is the kind of dessert that becomes a family tradition.
