Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy decadence of this Butter Pecan Cheesecake. A buttery graham cracker and pecan crust holds a velvety smooth cream cheese filling, topped with a luscious butter pecan sauce. Perfect for any special occasion or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon butter extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
For the butter pecan topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and butter extract (if using). Fold in the chopped toasted pecans. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake: In a water bath at 325°F for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make the topping: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt, then add the chopped pecans. Let cool slightly, then spoon over the chilled cheesecake.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans before using.
- The topping can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
