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Decadent New York Style Pecan Pie Cheesecake: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Recipe

The holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year! It’s a period filled with joy, cherished family moments, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food. Among the many festive treats, there’s one dessert that consistently brings smiles to everyone’s faces and holds a special place in our family traditions: a perfectly baked New York Style Cheesecake.

Growing up in the vibrant suburbs of New York City, the rich, dense, and incredibly creamy texture of an authentic New York-style cheesecake became an integral part of our annual holiday celebrations. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that signifies warmth, togetherness, and culinary indulgence.

Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share with you one of my absolute favorite homemade holiday cheesecake recipes: the New York Style Pecan Pie Cheesecake. This recipe takes everything you love about a classic cheesecake and elevates it with the comforting, nutty flavors of pecan pie, making it an unforgettable addition to any festive table.

The Ultimate Pecan Pie Cheesecake for the Holidays

This exquisite pecan pie cheesecake offers a delightful twist on the traditional New York dessert. It perfectly marries the tangy, sweet, and unbelievably creamy base of a classic cheesecake with a decadent, gooey pecan pie topping. The result is a dessert that is both familiar and exciting, offering layers of flavor and texture in every single bite. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation, leading up to the smooth, rich cheesecake filling, and crowned with a luscious caramel pecan mixture.

Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Friendsgiving gathering, or a joyful Christmas celebration, this Pecan Pie Cheesecake makes for a show-stopping dessert. Its sophisticated yet comforting flavors are ideal for the festive season. And if your family is anything like mine, you’ll find yourself wanting to bake this incredible cheesecake multiple times throughout the holidays, just to savor its deliciousness at home with your loved ones.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Crafting a truly spectacular cheesecake begins with selecting the finest ingredients. For this recipe, we’ll divide our ingredients into three key components: the irresistible graham cracker crust, the ultra-creamy cheesecake filling, and the rich caramel pecan topping. Gather these items, and you’ll be well on your way to holiday dessert perfection!

For the Buttery Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (approximately 12 whole graham crackers, finely crushed)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, completely melted
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

For the Ultra-Creamy Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 packages (8 ounces each) PHILADELPHIA Original Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature (this is crucial for a smooth batter)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (helps prevent cracking)
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature (adds a lovely tang and moisture)
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Irresistible Caramel Pecan Topping:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream (also known as whipping cream)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ¾ cups whole or roughly chopped pecans

Why Philadelphia® Cream Cheese is the Secret to Perfection

When it comes to baking a truly exceptional New York Style Cheesecake, the choice of cream cheese is paramount. This is precisely why Philadelphia® Cream Cheese is our ingredient of choice and sets the undisputed standard for quality and flavor. It is the foundation of any truly authentic and luxurious cheesecake.

Philadelphia® Original Cream Cheese is renowned for being made without any artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives. This commitment to purity results in a consistently fresh-tasting flavor and an incredibly ultra-creamy texture that simply cannot be matched by other brands. It provides that signature rich, dense, and smooth consistency that defines a perfect New York cheesecake.

The unparalleled creaminess and delightful richness of this Pecan Pie Cheesecake are directly attributable to using generous amounts of Philadelphia® Original Cream Cheese. You can easily find this essential ingredient, along with all your other holiday cooking and baking needs, at your local Walmart.

Walmart truly lives up to its reputation as a convenient one-stop shop, especially during the busy holiday season. From finding the perfect gifts for every family member to stocking up on all the ingredients for your elaborate holiday dishes and delectable desserts, Walmart has everything you need to make your festive season seamless and delicious. This makes planning your holiday baking much simpler and more enjoyable.

How to Bake This Irresistible Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Get ready to create a masterpiece! Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Pecan Pie Cheesecake turns out perfectly creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious. Precision in baking, especially with cheesecakes, makes all the difference.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to a steady 325°F (160°C). This temperature is ideal for baking cheesecakes evenly without overcooking the edges. Next, take a 9-inch springform pan, which is essential for easy removal, and generously coat it with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside for now.

Step 2: Craft the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and brown sugar. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. This ensures a firm and flavorful crust. Transfer this mixture to the bottom of your prepared springform pan. Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, press it down firmly and evenly across the bottom. A consistent layer is key for a stable crust. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This short bake time helps to set the crust and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Step 3: Prepare the Silky Cheesecake Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare your cheesecake batter. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for an air-free, smooth cheesecake. Gradually add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until all ingredients are perfectly blended and the mixture is smooth, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Next, gently fold in the sour cream until just combined; do not overmix. Finally, add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition, just until they are blended into the batter. Overmixing at this stage can incorporate too much air, which can lead to cracks in your baked cheesecake. Once the batter is smooth and homogenous, carefully pour it over the pre-baked graham cracker crust in the springform pan.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake to Perfection

Place the springform pan containing the cheesecake batter into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the center still has a slight wobble when gently shaken. This subtle jiggle indicates that the cheesecake is cooked through but still moist and creamy. It will continue to set as it cools.

Step 5: Create the Luscious Caramel Pecan Topping

While your cheesecake is baking, prepare the star of the show: the pecan topping. In a nonstick skillet, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add the brown sugar and cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. This creates a rich caramel base. Stir in the heavy cream and ground cinnamon, continuing to whisk until fully incorporated and smooth. Finally, add the whole or chopped pecans to the skillet, stirring gently until they are thoroughly coated in the warm caramel mixture. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the topping aside at room temperature. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Step 6: Cool and Assemble Your Masterpiece

Once the cheesecake is done baking, carefully transfer it from the oven to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This gradual cooling process is important to prevent cracks. As it cools, run a thin, sharp knife around the inner edge of the springform pan. This helps loosen the cake from the sides, preventing it from sticking when you release the pan. Once the cheesecake has cooled entirely, gently release the sides of the springform pan. Now, spoon your prepared caramel pecan topping generously over the top of the cooled cheesecake, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving. Chilling is essential for the cheesecake to fully set, firm up, and for the flavors to meld beautifully. For the best results, an overnight chill is often recommended. When ready to serve, slice into generous portions.

Now, slice, serve, and savor every indulgent bite of your creamy, rich, and utterly delicious homemade holiday cheesecake! This dessert is a true labor of love that will be appreciated by everyone.

Tips for a Perfect Pecan Pie Cheesecake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your Philadelphia Cream Cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This is vital for a smooth, lump-free batter and helps prevent overmixing.
• Do Not Overmix: After adding the eggs, mix only until just combined. Overmixing incorporates too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up in the oven and then crack as it cools.
• Gradual Cooling: Avoid drastic temperature changes. Once the cheesecake is baked, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for about an hour before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature.
• The Water Bath (Optional, but Recommended): While not explicitly in the original recipe, for the silkiest texture and to further prevent cracks, consider baking your cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the bottom of your springform pan tightly with heavy-duty foil (2-3 layers) to prevent water leakage. Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
• Prep Ahead: This cheesecake is an ideal make-ahead dessert for holiday entertaining. You can prepare it a day or even two days before your event. This allows it ample time to chill and firm up, developing richer flavors and a superior texture. Plus, it frees up precious time on the day of your celebration to focus on other dishes and enjoy your guests.
• Storage: Store any leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, slices can be individually wrapped and frozen for up to 1-2 months.

For more delightful pecan dessert recipes to complement your holiday spread, be sure to try these buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies or indulge in some classic homemade Pecan Pralines. They are perfect for gifting or simply enjoying as a sweet treat.

Pin This Decadent Pecan Pie Cheesecake for Later!

Don’t forget to save this recipe so you can easily find it for your next holiday gathering or whenever a craving for a truly exceptional dessert strikes. This New York Style Pecan Pie Cheesecake is a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again!