A rich and creamy butter pecan cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust and caramelized pecan topping, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time:6 hours (including chilling)
Yield:12 slices 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon butter extract (optional, for enhanced butter flavor)
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
For the Topping:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with foil to prevent leaks.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and butter extract (if using).
Fold in 1 cup of toasted pecans, then pour batter into the cooled crust.
Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Fill with hot water halfway up the sides to create a water bath.
Bake for 60–70 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack door, and let sit for 1 hour.
Remove and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
For the topping, heat butter in a small skillet. Add pecans, brown sugar, and salt. Stir over medium heat until sugar is melted and mixture is bubbly, about 3 minutes. Cool slightly and spoon over chilled cheesecake before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor—do not skip this step.
Cheesecake can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.