Delicious Southern Pecan Cheesecake: A Must-Try Recipe!
Welcome to my southern-style kitchen, where the aroma of pecans and cream cheese fills the air. Today, I am thrilled to share with you my signature cheesecake recipe that is sure to satiate your sweet tooth while giving you a taste of southern hospitality. This recipe is a perfect fusion of two classic southern desserts – pecan pie and cheesecake.
As a southern chef, it’s no secret that pecans are a staple in our cuisine. They give an earthy crunch to savory dishes and add a delightful sweetness to desserts like pecan pie. But this cheesecake recipe takes pecans to a whole new level. The roasted pecans throughout the creamy cheesecake base and the salty caramel pecan topping will have every bite bursting with flavor.
The smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake combines beautifully with the toasty crunch of pecans – making this dish almost irresistible. The buttery graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake filling, crunchy pecans, and decadent caramel make this dessert truly special.
Whether you’re looking for an easy Thanksgiving treat or are craving something indulgent for your next dinner party, this Southern Pecan Cheesecake recipe is sure to please everyone around your table. So, let’s start baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Don’t you just love devouring decadent desserts that make your taste buds dance with delight? Well, this Southern Pecan Cheesecake recipe is not just any ordinary dessert, it’s a heavenly creation that will transport you to dessert heaven upon the first bite.
This delicious treat combines two of the South’s most classic desserts – pecan pie and cheesecake. The rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie filling contrast perfectly with the creamy cheesecake filling. Just imagine the soft, velvety texture of a creamy cheesecake filling melting in your mouth, and then the perfect crunchy sweetness from the buttery pecan pie topping.
Not only do you get the perfect amount of crunch and creaminess with this dessert, but you’ll also be able to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings in just one slice. It’s a dessert that can be enjoyed any time of year, but it’s especially perfect for holiday gatherings where you want to wow your family and friends.
But what truly sets this Southern Pecan Cheesecake apart is its versatility. You can serve it plain or make variations like adding caramel sauce, salted caramel pecans or pumpkin spice for Thanksgiving gatherings or butter pecan or bourbon for special celebrations. It’s a dessert that will impress everyone at the dining table, no matter their individual taste preferences.
So go ahead and give it a try! This easy Thanksgiving delight recipe will definitely be one of the best pecan cheesecakes you’ve ever tasted. You’ll love it – I guarantee it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this indulgent southern pecan cheesecake:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 pounds cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs plus one egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3/4 cup sour cream
For the Pecan Topping:
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
For the Caramel Sauce:
- store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
Most of these ingredients should be easy to find at your local grocery store. Keep in mind that it’s important to use high quality ingredients to ensure the best possible flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get messy and have some fun cooking this Southern Pecan Cheesecake recipe! I promise that the steps are easy to follow, and the hard work you put into it will be rewarded with a rich and creamy dessert.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup quick oats
- ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
For the filling:
- 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 4 large eggs
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the toppings:
- Pecan halves for decoration
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Get out a 9-inch pie plate.
Step 2: Make crust
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and quick oats. Add pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined. Press mixture into prepared pan, making sure it covers the bottom and up the sides just slightly. Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Make filling
Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until smooth (about 2 minutes). Beat in eggs one at a time just until well mixed. Add sour cream and vanilla extract; beat for an additional minute.
Step 4: Add pecans
Fold in chopped pecans.
Step 5: Bake the cheesecake
Pour mixture into prepared crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until center is set. You can tell by gently shaking the cheesecake. If it jiggles in the middle like jello, let it cook a little longer.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Once your Pecan Cheesecake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Once cooled, put in the fridge to chill overnight.
Step 7: Serve with Style
When ready to present, garnish your Southern Pecan Cheesecake with some pecan halves and a dollop of whipped cream.
And there you have it! Your friends and family will be raving about this dessert for weeks to come.
Substitutions and Variations
Y’all know that cooking is an art, and as with any art, it’s always open to interpretation. That’s why I absolutely love experimenting with different ingredients and variations of classic dishes – and this Southern Pecan Cheesecake is no exception.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more decadent, you can swap out the graham cracker crust for a chocolate cookie crust. Alternatively, if you’re looking to add a bit of crunch to this creamy dessert, try using a mixture of crushed pretzels and pecans for the crust.
For those of you who are watching your sugar intake or have dietary restrictions, fret not! You can easily use low-fat cream cheese and replace the granulated sugar with Truvia or another natural sweetener. And if you want to make things even healthier, try using rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats in the crust.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, try drizzling some salted caramel sauce on top of your cheesecake or adding a splash of bourbon to the filling for a Southern twist. And for my pumpkin and butter pecan lovers out there, feel free to substitute the pecans with your favorite nut or use pumpkin puree in place of some of the cream cheese!
At the end of the day, there are countless ways to switch up this delicious Southern dessert while still maintaining its classic charm. So whether you’re catering to different tastes or dietary needs that can’t enjoy cheesecake recipes like Southern Pecan Cheesecake, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with substitutions and variations!
Serving and Pairing
Once your Southern pecan cheesecake is ready, it’s time to turn it into a stunning dessert that not only looks good but tastes absolutely divine. You can serve it immediately or keep it stored in the refrigerator for a few hours until serving time.
To serve, I garnish my cheesecake with some whipped cream and extra pecans as a crunchy topping to add some contrast between smooth and velvety texture. The whipped cream balances the sweetness perfectly as it adds a little bit of creaminess to your slice.
For pairing, this dessert is best enjoyed with some hot coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk so you can cut through the richness of the cheesecake. Perhaps you can even explore pairing it with some Port wine; its nuttiness and subtle sweetness complement the Southern-inspired flavor of the cheesecake.
This cheesecake is perfect for all occasions, whether you serve it on Thanksgiving, during the holidays, or just want an easy yet delicious dessert. You can also make mini variations that are ideal for individual servings when entertaining guests or bring them along as your potluck contribution – who doesn’t love an indulgent bite-size treat?!
Remember to store leftover cheesecake slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days if you’re able to resist devouring it all at once!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As with most cheesecakes, this Southern Pecan Cheesecake Recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until it’s time to serve. To make sure your cheesecake is at its best when it hits the table, follow these simple tips for making ahead, storing and reheating.
Make-Ahead:
If you plan to make this Southern Pecan Cheesecake Recipe ahead of time, simply bake it as directed in the recipe and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Then, refrigerate for up to 3 days before serving.
Storing:
If you have leftovers, storing your cheesecake properly will ensure that it stays fresh and tasty for days. After cutting the cheesecake into individual slices, wrap each slice with cling wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze your leftover cheesecake by wrapping it tightly with cling wrap, then covering loosely with aluminum foil.
Reheating:
When reheating Southern Pecan Cheesecake, remember that microwave is not your friend. Instead, take your desired amount of cheesecake out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This will help take the chill off and give time for the flavors to come alive once again. For the best result possible, try reheating in small portions so you don’t overheat any part of the cake. Alternatively, you can reheat them by putting them back into the oven for 10-15 minutes at 200°F (or until they reach your desired temperature).
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got the recipe down pat, it’s time to perfect it. Here are some tips and tricks that will make your Southern Pecan Cheesecake one for the books.
Firstly, no one wants a dry cheesecake. To avoid this, make sure you do not overcook the filling. Your oven temperature is key here – when baking the cheesecake, it is better to cook it low and slow. Bake it at 350 degrees for no more than an hour, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
To get a velvety smooth texture for your cheesecake, take care not to overbeat the cream cheese. Overbeating leads to an airy texture which can cause textured lumps in your cheesecake which is far from ideal. Beat the cream cheese on medium speed until creamy and smooth before adding in other ingredients.
A bit of salt goes a long way too! Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt if you’re using unsalted butter in the crust or for the topping. Salt balances out all other flavors in this recipe.
And lastly, feel free to play around with flavors and make it your own! Try different toppings like a chocolate drizzle or switch things up by making a bourbon pecan cheesecake instead.
With these tips in mind, get creative and enjoy the process of mastering this southern delicacy.
Bottom Line
Well, folks, there you have it, my detailed and mouth-watering recipe for Southern Pecan Cheesecake. Trust me; this recipe is everything you’ll ever need to celebrate Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
In conclusion, I believe that cooking gives us a chance to create something that nourishes both the body and the soul. It’s an opportunity to connect with our friends and family over something we’ve crafted with love, care, and patience. And this Southern Pecan Cheesecake is one of those recipes that will bring everyone together at the table.
So what are you waiting for? Put on your apron, preheat your oven and let’s whip up some of the best pecan cheesecake you’ve ever tasted! I assure you; it will be a hit with everyone in your household.
Thank you for reading my recipe article, and I hope you enjoy making this delightful dessert cheesecake as much as I did sharing it with you all!
Southern Pecan Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 40 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 2/3 cups light brown sugar
- 5 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans, divided
- whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Place oats in food processor or blender; process to consistency of flour.
- Combine oats with remaining crust ingredients; press into bottom of 10-inch springform pan. Chill.
- Beat cream cheese with mixer until fluffy; slowly add brown sugar and mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and half of nuts. Mix and pour over crust. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.
- Turn the oven off but leave the cake in the oven for 30 minutes more. To reduce the chance of cracks on the top surface, run a knife alongt he edge of the cheesecake as soon as you remove it from the oven. Let cool to room temperature; chill for 8 hours.
- Remove sides of pan. Press additional chopped pecans around sides and pipe top with whipped cream.