Easy Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake Recipe
This Easy Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake is a decadent, rich dessert featuring a creamy cheesecake base with a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a sweet pecan praline topping. Perfect for Southern-inspired gatherings or any special occasion, this recipe combines classic flavors with a smooth, luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
Graham Cracker Crust Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
Pecan Praline Topping Ingredients:
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ cup dark corn syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare Graham Cracker Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix thoroughly, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan using a flat-bottomed glass or your fingers to compact it firmly. This forms the crust base for the cheesecake.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined to avoid overmixing. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake Cheesecake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the cheesecake to set partially.
- Prepare Pecan Praline Topping: While the cheesecake bakes, mix together the brown sugar and melted butter until blended. Add in the eggs and dark corn syrup, mixing until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans and mix well to create the praline topping.
- Add Topping and Continue Baking: After the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the cheesecake from the oven. Evenly spoon the pecan praline mixture over the partially baked cheesecake. Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes, or until the praline topping is set and golden.
- Cool and Chill: Once done, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the springform pan on a wire rack. After cooling to room temperature, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours to set fully and enhance flavors.
- Serve: Optionally, serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top before slicing and enjoying this rich Southern dessert.
Notes
- Use a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to press the crust evenly and compact it firmly.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Mix eggs into the cheesecake batter gently to avoid cracks or overly dense texture.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Optional whipped cream topping adds a light contrast to the rich and nutty praline.
Keywords: pecan praline cheesecake, southern cheesecake, pecan topping, graham cracker crust, holiday dessert, creamy cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe
