Thick Caramel Pecan Crunch Cheesecake
A silky, sticky, and crunchy cheesecake topped with caramel and pecans. The ultimate dessert showstopper for holidays and celebrations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Serves 10–12
Graham Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp brown sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
¾ cup sour cream
¼ cup heavy cream
Caramel Pecan Crunch Topping:
1 cup pecan halves, toasted
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
Pinch of sea salt
Optional: extra crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and wrap the outside with foil to prevent leaking.
Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing on low until combined. Add sour cream and heavy cream; mix just until smooth.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Place pan in a larger baking dish and pour hot water halfway up the sides (water bath).
Bake for 55–65 minutes or until the center is just set. Turn off oven and crack the door, allowing cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour.
Remove and cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Make the caramel pecan topping: In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar. Stir in heavy cream and salt; simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. Stir in toasted pecans.
Spoon warm topping over chilled cheesecake and let it set slightly before serving.
Notes
Toast pecans for maximum flavor.
Use a water bath to prevent cracking.
Cheesecake is best when chilled overnight.
Caramel topping can be made in advance and reheated slightly before serving.
For extra crunch, sprinkle with crushed graham cracker or praline pecans.
