Description
Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake blends Southern comfort with creamy indulgence, making your dessert dreams come true. Rich layers of buttery crust, smooth cheesecake, and caramelized pecans create a delectable tribute to Kentucky’s classic flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 24 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup pecans
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup pecans
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Pulverize 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup melted butter, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture looks like damp sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even, compact base at 350°F for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Whisk 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 cup corn syrup, ¾ cup brown sugar, 3 eggs, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ½ teaspoon salt into a smooth mixture.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly and baking at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center.
- Beat 24 oz softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth.
- Incorporate 1 cup sugar into the cream cheese, mixing until fully combined.
- Add 3 eggs one at a time on low speed, avoiding overmixing and scraping bowl sides.
- Blend in 1 teaspoon vanilla, ¼ cup sour cream, and ¼ cup heavy cream until the mixture looks silky.
- Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the pecan layer, spreading evenly.
- Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes until edges are set and center remains slightly wobbly.
- Turn off oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest inside for one hour to prevent cracking.
- Cool the cheesecake completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
- Garnish with 1 cup whole pecans and drizzle ¼ cup caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Check graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smoother crust base that holds together perfectly.
- Tap springform pan gently after adding each layer to release air bubbles and ensure even distribution.
- Cool cheesecake gradually to prevent cracking, which happens when temperature changes too quickly.
- Use room temperature ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, to create a silky smooth cheesecake texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25-40 minutes
- Category: Cheesecakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg