Description
This Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake combines a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a rich pecan pie topping for a decadent Southern-inspired dessert. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, and Derby Day gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Beat the cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is just set with a slight jiggle.
- Cool the cheesecake at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- For the topping, melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and 1/4 cup heavy cream, then cook for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the chopped pecans.
- Allow the pecan topping to cool slightly, then spread it evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
- Refrigerate until set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Add a splash of bourbon to the pecan topping for a classic Derby-inspired flavor.
Use toasted pecans for a deeper nutty taste.
Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice for extra sweetness.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
