A rich and creamy cheesecake with a crunchy pecan crust and a decadent caramel topping.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, and sugar.
- Stir in melted butter until crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in sour cream until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour with the door slightly ajar.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. Prepare the Caramel Topping:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water.
- Cook, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves and turns a golden amber color. Swirl the pan occasionally.
- Carefully stir in heavy cream and butter. The mixture will bubble.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the caramel is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Let the caramel cool slightly, then stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Assemble and Serve:
- Pour the caramel pecan topping over the chilled cheesecake.
- Slice and serve.
Enjoy your delicious Pecan Cheesecake with Caramel Topping!