Pecan cheesecake with caramel sauce. Makes 12 servings – perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings!
Author:Maroua Lynn
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour
Total Time:1 hour 10 minutes
Yield:12 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
1 3/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (gluten-free for gluten-free)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Pecan Pie Filling:
1 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup maple syrup (or corn syrup)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped
For the Cheesecake Filling:
3 (8 ounce) bricks cream cheese, softened
1 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
For the Pecan Caramel Topping:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
Instructions
For the Crust: Mix 1 3/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Press into the bottom of an 8-10 inch springform pan.
For the Pecan Pie Filling: In a saucepan, mix 1 cup brown sugar, 2/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup melted butter, 3 lightly beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional), and 1 1/2 cups toasted, chopped pecans. Simmer over medium heat, stirring, for 5 minutes until thickened. Pour over crust.
For the Cheesecake Filling: Beat 3 (8 ounce) bricks cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup brown sugar, 3 eggs (one at a time), 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional). Pour over pecan pie filling.
Bake: Wrap pan in foil, place in a water bath, and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 60 minutes until set. Cool in oven for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
For the Pecan Caramel Topping: Heat 1/4 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar until bubbling (3 minutes). Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, stir until smooth, then add 1 cup toasted pecans. Cool slightly, then pour over chilled cheesecake.
Serve: Release from pan, slice into 12 portions, and serve chilled or slightly warmed.
Notes
Refrigerate overnight for best texture, but it’s also delicious warm.
Toast pecans at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Option: Use gluten-free crumbs for a gluten-free dessert.
Option: Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans.
My family begs for this every Thanksgiving—it’s a holiday must-have!