This recipe merges the rich, gooey filling of traditional pecan pie with a creamy cheesecake base, set on a brown butter graham cracker crust. It is an impressive, show-stopping dessert perfect for holiday tables.
Author:felixhayes
Prep Time:30 min
Cook Time:75 min
Total Time:105 min
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and browned
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
Prepare the brown butter graham cracker crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Pour in the melted and browned butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat the softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
Prepare the pecan pie topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in the pecan halves until they are coated.
Gently spoon the pecan pie mixture over the cheesecake batter. Do not stir; allow the pecan mixture to settle naturally.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 to 75 minutes. The edges of the cheesecake should look set, and the center should have a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This prevents cracking.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Run a thin knife around the edge before releasing the springform side. Serve chilled.
Notes
Browning the butter for the crust adds a deeper, nutty flavor that complements the pecans.
Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest cheesecake batter.
To prevent the cheesecake from cracking during cooling, cool it slowly in the turned-off oven with the door ajar.
This indulgent baked dessert is excellent when made a day ahead of time.