Experience the bliss of Pecan Caramel Cheesecake, a luxurious dessert that combines rich, creamy cheesecake with crunchy pecans and a luscious caramel swirl. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful treat is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether it’s a festive celebration or a cozy night at home, this cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pecan Caramel Cheesecake is the epitome of indulgence. The smooth, creamy cheesecake base is paired with a crunchy, buttery graham cracker crust and topped with toasted pecans. The star of the show, however, is the decadent caramel swirl that adds a touch of sweetness and richness. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients (Serves Approximately 12 Slices)
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For the Crust:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup roasted pecans, chopped
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For the Cheesecake Filling:
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16 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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3 large eggs, room temperature
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For the Caramel Sauce:
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1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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Instructions
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Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and mix until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until golden brown, then remove and let it cool. -
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, incorporating each one completely before adding the next. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. -
Add the Pecans:
Gently fold in the chopped roasted pecans into the cheesecake batter, being careful not to overmix. -
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. -
Cool the Cheesecake:
Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar for about an hour to allow the cheesecake to cool gradually. This step helps prevent cracking. -
Chill and Serve:
After the cheesecake has cooled, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results). Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce and garnish with additional chopped pecans if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 70 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Servings: 12 slices
Variations
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Nut Alternatives: If you prefer a different flavor, swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a unique twist.
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Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter for an extra layer of richness, or swirl melted chocolate into the caramel for a chocolate-caramel combo.
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Vegan Version: To make this cheesecake vegan, substitute dairy products with vegan cream cheese, sour cream, and non-dairy butter, and use a plant-based caramel sauce.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: This cheesecake is best served chilled, but if you want to warm it slightly, remove the caramel sauce before microwaving for 10-15 seconds.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 120g)
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Calories: 410 kcal
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Sugar: 31g
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Sodium: 360mg
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Fat: 28g
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Saturated Fat: 13g
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Unsaturated Fat: 14g
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Trans Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Fiber: 1g
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Protein: 6g
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Cholesterol: 85mg
Conclusion
Pecan Caramel Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that will elevate any occasion. With a smooth and creamy filling, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a generous caramel topping, this cheesecake is an indulgent treat everyone will love. It’s easy to make and incredibly versatile, allowing for various flavor variations to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a special event or simply enjoying it with your family, this cheesecake is sure to impress!
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Pecan Caramel Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy Pecan Caramel Cheesecake, a decadent dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a luscious caramel swirl topped with roasted pecans. This showstopper dessert is perfect for any occasion, from festive celebrations to cozy family nights, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup roasted pecans, chopped
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
For the Caramel Sauce:
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, mixing until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown, then remove and let it cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the Pecans: Gently fold the chopped roasted pecans into the cheesecake batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Turn off the oven, leaving the door ajar for about an hour to let the cheesecake cool gradually. This prevents cracking.
- Chill and Serve: Once cooled, chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results). Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce and garnish with additional chopped pecans.
Notes
- Nut Alternatives: Swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter or swirl melted chocolate into the caramel for a chocolate-caramel combo.
- Vegan Version: Replace dairy ingredients with vegan cream cheese, sour cream, and non-dairy butter, and use plant-based caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American