Pecan Cheesecake Pie Recipe

The Most Heavenly Pecan Cheesecake Pie Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Sinking your fork into a decadent pecan cheesecake pie that blends creamy textures with rich, nutty crunch.

Sweet Southern traditions inspire this remarkable dessert combining two classic favorites into one irresistible treat.

Smooth cream cheese mingles perfectly with caramelized pecans, creating a luxurious landscape of flavors.

One bite transports you to grandma’s kitchen, where comfort and indulgence dance together.

Layers of silky filling and crunchy nut topping promise a sensational experience that defies ordinary desserts.

Whipping up this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum deliciousness.

Each slice promises a moment of pure culinary magic that you’ll want to savor slowly and share with everyone around your table.

Why Pecan Cheesecake Pie Is A Rich And Sweet Favorite

  • Indulge in Decadent Layers: This pie combines the creamy smoothness of cheesecake with the rich, crunchy sweetness of a classic pecan pie, creating a luxurious dessert that feels like two treats in one.
  • Effortless Elegant Baking: Despite looking impressive, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for home bakers wanting to wow friends and family without complicated techniques.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ready in just over an hour and delicious when chilled, this pie works beautifully for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or spontaneous sweet cravings with minimal prep time.
  • Texture Sensation Delight: The contrast between the silky cheesecake base and the crunchy, caramelized pecan topping delivers an irresistible mouthfeel that keeps everyone coming back for another slice.

What You’ll Need To Make Pecan Cheesecake Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crust: Foundation for the pie, holds all layers together. Store-bought or homemade option works well. Refrigerated or frozen crusts are convenient time-savers.
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides rich, creamy base for the cheesecake layer. Full-fat versions create best texture. Softened at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer. White sugar recommended for classic flavor.
  • Egg: Helps bind and stabilize the cheesecake mixture. Room temperature egg integrates better.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to the cheesecake layer. Pure vanilla extract offers best taste.
Pecan Topping Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Gives deep, caramel-like sweetness to the topping. Dark or light brown sugar work well.
  • Corn Syrup: Creates glossy, smooth texture in the pecan layer. Helps prevent sugar crystallization.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind ingredients. Unsalted butter preferred for controlled saltiness.
  • Eggs: Help thicken and structure the pecan layer. Room temperature eggs blend more easily.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile. Complements pecan and cheesecake layers.
  • Pecan Halves: Adds crunch and nutty flavor. Fresh, high-quality pecans recommended.

Step-By-Step Guide For Pecan Cheesecake Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Gently nestle the pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, giving the edges a playful crimp if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheesecake Base

Grab a mixing bowl and whip up a dreamy cheesecake layer:
  • Cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a silky-smooth mixture. Spread this luscious cream evenly across the bottom of your pie crust, creating a cloud-like foundation.

Step 3: Craft the Nutty Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together a symphony of sweet and rich flavors:
  • Brown sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until they dance together harmoniously. Fold in the pecan halves, letting them get cozy in the sweet mixture.

Step 4: Layer the Deliciousness

Carefully pour the pecan topping over the cheesecake layer. Use a gentle hand to spread it evenly, creating a beautiful golden blanket of nutty goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie onto a baking sheet and let it bake for 50-55 minutes. You’re looking for a perfectly set center and a golden-brown top. If the crust edges start to tan too quickly, shield them with foil midway through baking.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. Tuck it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the layers settle and meld their flavors. This waiting period is crucial for achieving pie perfection.

Slice, serve, and watch as everyone falls in love with this decadent dessert that combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the rich crunch of pecans!

Helpful Tips For Pecan Cheesecake Pie Success

  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the cheesecake layer to create a crisp, flaky base that resists moisture.
  • Smooth Cheesecake Layer: Use room temperature cream cheese and beat until completely smooth to avoid lumps and ensure a silky texture.
  • Perfectly Distribute Pecans: Gently tap the pie after adding the pecan topping to help distribute the nuts evenly and prevent clumping.
  • Avoid Overbaking: Watch the pie carefully during the last 10 minutes of baking. The center should be slightly jiggly but set, as it will continue to firm up while cooling.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the traditional pie crust for a gluten-free alternative made with almond flour or use a store-bought gluten-free pie crust.

How To Store And Reheat Pecan Cheesecake Pie The Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover pecan cheesecake pie in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the pie away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Freeze: Wrap the cooled pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the wrapping to track storage time.
  • Thaw: Transfer frozen pie to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, safe thawing. Avoid leaving the pie at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For a crispier crust, use the oven at 325F for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Perfect Pairings For Pecan Cheesecake Pie

  • Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Dark roast coffee with bold, rich flavors complements the sweet and nutty profile of the pecan cheesecake pie, cutting through its richness and enhancing the dessert's decadent texture.
  • Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: A glass of late harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti adds a delightful fruity sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the caramel-like pecan topping and creamy cheesecake layer.
  • Match with Bourbon Elegance: A smooth Kentucky bourbon provides a warm, oak-aged backdrop that intensifies the pie's nutty undertones and balances the dessert's sweetness with its own complex, slightly spicy character.
  • Create a Vanilla Ice Cream Contrast: A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream creates a temperature and texture contrast, with its cool creaminess melting against the warm, gooey pecan pie filling and providing a refreshing counterpoint.

Fun Twists On Classic Pecan Cheesecake Pie

  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled pie for an extra rich flavor. Sprinkle some sea salt on top to enhance the chocolate's depth.
  • Maple Pecan Fusion: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a more complex, woodsy sweetness. Add a dash of cinnamon to the pecan topping for warm, aromatic notes.
  • Bourbon-Infused Classic: Splash a tablespoon of bourbon into the pecan topping for a sophisticated adult version. The alcohol will add depth and complexity to the traditional recipe.
  • Caramel Crunch Edition: Sprinkle toffee bits or caramel pieces over the pecan layer before baking. This will create additional texture and a sweet, buttery crunch that complements the creamy cheesecake base.

Your Questions Answered About Pecan Cheesecake Pie

  • What makes this Pecan Cheesecake Pie unique?

This pie combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the classic sweet and nutty flavor of pecan pie, creating a decadent dessert that offers two beloved treats in one delicious slice.

  • Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! A homemade pie crust works perfectly and can add a more personal touch to the recipe. Just ensure it’s prepared and chilled before adding the cheesecake and pecan layers.

  • How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

The pie is done when the center is set (it shouldn’t jiggle too much) and the top is golden brown. If the edges are browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning while the center continues to bake.

  • Are pecans essential to this recipe?

Pecans are a key ingredient that provides the classic nutty flavor and texture. While you could substitute with another nut, pecans are traditional and give the pie its signature taste and crunch.

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Pecan Cheesecake Pie Recipe

Pecan Cheesecake Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Pecan cheesecake pie merges classic Southern comfort with creamy cheesecake magic, creating a dessert that dances between traditional and innovative. Silky layers of cream cheese and crunchy pecans promise indulgent bliss with each heavenly slice you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

  • 1 (9-inch) pie crust, homemade or store-bought

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (150 grams) pecan halves
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large eggs

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

  • ⅔ cup (130 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • ⅓ cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) light corn syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pie foundation by nestling the pie crust into a 9-inch pan, ensuring the edges are delicately shaped for an elegant presentation.
  2. Craft the velvety cheesecake base by whipping cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Gently distribute this luxurious mixture across the pie crust’s bottom.
  3. Compose the rich pecan topping by whisking brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla into a harmonious blend. Fold in the pecan halves, coating them thoroughly with the glossy mixture.
  4. Meticulously cascade the pecan mixture over the creamy cheesecake layer, creating an even, golden-brown landscape of nutty decadence.
  5. Transfer the assembled pie onto a baking sheet and slide into a preheated 350F (175C) oven. Bake until the center firms and the surface transforms into a burnished bronze, approximately 50-55 minutes. Shield the crust’s edges with foil if they begin to darken too quickly.
  6. Allow the pie to rest and cool completely at room temperature, enabling the layers to solidify and meld together. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure perfect texture and slice-ability before serving.

Notes

  • Chill cream cheese beforehand to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer that spreads effortlessly across the pie crust.
  • Toast pecans lightly before adding to the topping for an enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Use room temperature eggs for both layers to help ingredients blend more evenly and create a silkier texture throughout the pie.
  • Prevent soggy bottom crusts by placing the pie on the lowest oven rack and using a pre-warmed baking sheet to help crisp the bottom perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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