Decadent Butter Pecan Cheesecake Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Butter Pecan Cheesecake that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests! This rich and creamy dessert combines the nutty essence of buttered pecans with the luscious texture of cheesecake, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat after dinner, this cheesecake is bound to become a favorite. Let’s dive into this decadent recipe!

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For Topping

• ½ cup pecans, chopped (for garnish)
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated and resemble wet sand.
3. Press the Crust: Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure it’s packed tightly.
4. Bake: Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined.
3. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Add Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.
5. Prepare Pecans: In a small bowl, mix toasted and chopped pecans with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Fold this mixture into the cheesecake batter.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
3. Cool: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about an hour to prevent cracking. Then remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate: Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight for the best result.
2. Garnish: Before serving, top with additional chopped pecans and whipped cream if desired.
3. Slice and Enjoy: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and savor every delicious bite!

Tips for the Perfect Butter Pecan Cheesecake

• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can introduce air into the batter, leading to a cracked cheesecake.
• Serve Cold: Cheesecake is best served chilled for optimal flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Butter Pecan Cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. Whether for a holiday feast, a birthday celebration, or just a craving for something sweet, this cheesecake will surely be a hit. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delightful dessert—enjoy!