Description
Indulge in the decadence of a Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake, where rich cheesecake meets the sweet crunch of pecan pie topping for a truly indulgent dessert experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Optional Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Whole toasted pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and wrap the outside with foil to prevent leaks.
- For the crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press into the bottom of the springform pan and slightly up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- For the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and mix until fluffy. Add sour cream, flour, and vanilla extract. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Pour the batter over the pre-baked crust.
- Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides to create a water bath. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Remove and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For the topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and chopped pecans. Cool slightly before spreading over the chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish with whipped cream and whole pecans if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- You can swap corn syrup for maple syrup or bourbon for a Kentucky twist.
- The topping can be made a day ahead and warmed slightly before assembling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
