Heavenly Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Sweet dreams converge when brown sugar pecan pie cheesecake blends classic comfort with decadent innovation.

Layers of creamy richness promise an indulgent experience that melts through traditional dessert boundaries.

Southern hospitality meets culinary creativity in this remarkable fusion.

Nutty pecans dance alongside silky cream cheese, creating a symphony of textures that tantalize sophisticated palates.

Caramelized sugars weave magic into each luxurious bite, promising pure dessert enchantment.

Skilled bakers can craft this masterpiece with confident ease.

Let’s unlock a dessert that will become your new favorite celebration centerpiece.

Why Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Cheesecake Is a Decadent Delight

  • Indulge in Decadence: A luxurious dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the classic Southern charm of pecan pie.
  • Impress Without Stress: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this showstopping dessert achievable for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any special occasion where you want to create a memorable sweet experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for personal touches like extra pecans or a drizzle of caramel to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps it bind together.
  • Butter (Melted): Helps hold the crust ingredients together and adds rich flavor.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth, creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, silky consistency.
  • Eggs: Help bind the filling and provide structure to the cheesecake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
Pecan Topping:
  • Pecans (Chopped), Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup: Create a sweet, sticky, nutty layer that adds texture and complementary flavor to the top of the cheesecake.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with sugar and melted butter until they stick together perfectly. Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a solid, tasty foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab your electric mixer and beat the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth. Add in brown sugar, heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until the filling becomes incredibly creamy and blends seamlessly, with no lumps in sight.

Step 3: Create the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Brown sugar
  • Corn syrup

Mix these ingredients until they form a deliciously sticky and sweet pecan mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake

Pour the cream cheese filling over the graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Carefully spread the pecan mixture evenly across the top of the creamy layer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cheesecake into a preheated oven at 325F (165C). Bake for 60 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center – this means it’s just right!

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set. This waiting time allows all the flavors to mingle and the texture to become wonderfully smooth and creamy.

Expert Tips for Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Cheesecake

  • Crush graham crackers finely for a perfectly smooth, compact crust that holds together beautifully.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a silky, lump-free cheesecake filling with maximum smoothness.
  • Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking and protect the delicate crust.
  • Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent cracking and ensure a creamy texture.

Variations to Personalize Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Cheesecake

  • Maple Walnut Variation: Replace pecans with chopped walnuts and swap corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Caramel Pecan Variation: Drizzle melted dark chocolate and caramel sauce over the top layer, adding chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter for extra decadence.
  • Salted Caramel Pecan Variation: Sprinkle sea salt over the pecan topping and create a salted caramel swirl throughout the cheesecake batter for a sweet-salty contrast.
  • Bourbon Pecan Variation: Add a splash of bourbon to the cheesecake mixture and toast the pecans before mixing with brown sugar and corn syrup for deeper, more complex flavors.

Best Pairings for Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Cheesecake

  • Pair with Bourbon Bliss: Smooth bourbon whiskey complements the rich, caramel-like brown sugar notes in the cheesecake, enhancing the nutty pecan flavors with its warm, oak-aged complexity.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, sweet cheesecake, cutting through the richness and offering a delightful temperature contrast.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: The espresso-based drink's sweet caramel undertones and coffee depth perfectly echo the brown sugar and pecan elements, creating a harmonious flavor symphony.
  • Accompany with Spiced Chai Latte: Warm chai spices like cinnamon and cardamom beautifully complement the nutty, sweet profile of the cheesecake, adding an aromatic dimension to each bite.

Storage Instructions for Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Cheesecake

  • Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For a slightly warm slice, microwave on low power for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overheating.
  • Enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Cheesecake

  • Can I use a different type of crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or shortbread cookies for a unique twist.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter, and bake in a water bath to create a smooth, crack-free surface.

  • Is it possible to make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

  • Can I freeze this pecan pie cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

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Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 80 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy brown sugar pecan pie cheesecake merges two classic desserts into one irresistible indulgence. Rich layers of silky cheesecake and buttery pecan filling create a memorable Southern-style treat you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 325F (165C), ensuring rack is positioned in center for even baking.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl, thoroughly mixing to create a cohesive crust mixture.
  3. Press the crust firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a compact base.
  4. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  5. Gradually incorporate brown sugar, heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, blending until the mixture is silky and uniform.
  6. Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.
  7. In a separate small bowl, thoroughly blend chopped pecans, brown sugar, and corn syrup to create a rich, sticky topping.
  8. Carefully spread the pecan mixture across the cream cheese layer, covering the surface evenly.
  9. Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, watching for a set center with a slight wobble when gently shaken.
  10. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  11. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours to set and develop optimal flavor, preferably overnight.

Notes

  • Toast the pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version of the cheesecake.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
  • Consider adding a splash of bourbon to the pecan topping for an extra layer of rich, warm flavor that complements the brown sugar sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 497 kcal
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 215 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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