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Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake Recipe

4.5 from 57 reviews

This Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake recipe combines a creamy classic cheesecake with a rich, buttery pecan praline topping, delivering a decadent dessert perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a sweet Southern treat.

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 pecans, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the crust and cheesecake layers.
  2. Prepare Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, using a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to compact the crust.
  3. Make Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Bake Cheesecake Base: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust. Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  5. Prepare Pecan Praline Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and melted butter until blended. Add the eggs and dark corn syrup, beating until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans thoroughly.
  6. Add Topping and Continue Baking: Remove the partially baked cheesecake from the oven. Spoon the pecan praline mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer. Return the springform pan to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes, or until the pecan topping has set and is golden brown.
  7. Cool and Chill: Take the cheesecake out of the oven and leave it in the springform pan. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set and the flavors to meld.
  8. Serve: Optional, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream before serving for an extra touch of indulgence. Slice and enjoy this rich Southern dessert.

Notes

  • Use softened cream cheese for a smooth cheesecake batter without lumps.
  • Press the graham cracker crust firmly to avoid a crumbly crust.
  • Do not overmix the filling once eggs are added to prevent cracking.
  • Cool cheesecake completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
  • For easier slicing, run a warm knife along the edges before cutting.

Keywords: Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake, pecan cheesecake, pecan praline topping, creamy cheesecake, Southern dessert, nutty cheesecake, holiday dessert