A rich and creamy cheesecake infused with browned butter and topped with toasted pecans, perfect for any occasion!
Author:Alex Lee
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time:6 hours
Yield:10-12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
6 tablespoons salted butter
24 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup toasted pecans
2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup salted butter, melted
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Caramel sauce for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, chopped pecans, and brown sugar, tossing to evenly coat. Spread pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until fragrant and lightly toasted. Set aside to cool.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the cheesecake filling. Whisk occasionally until the butter foams and develops a deep golden brown color with a nutty aroma. Pour browned butter into a heat-resistant bowl and allow to cool to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until the texture resembles wet sand. Firmly press mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then let cool. Wrap the pan exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water intrusion.
Reduce oven temperature to 300°F. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and cooled browned butter, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each. Fold in 1 cup of toasted pecans.
Pour cheesecake batter onto the prepared crust and smooth the top. Place the springform pan inside a larger pan and fill the outer pan with warm water halfway up the sides. Bake for 1 hour and 5 minutes, until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven and leave the cheesecake inside, door closed, for 30 minutes, then crack the oven door and let cool for an additional 30 minutes.
Remove cheesecake from oven and water bath. Unwrap foil and refrigerate cheesecake until fully chilled and firm, about 5 to 6 hours or overnight.
In a mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
Pipe cinnamon whipped cream onto the cheesecake and garnish with remaining toasted pecans. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
This cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Adjust the amount of pecans and caramel sauce according to personal preference.