Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe : A warm, cozy, holiday-worthy dessert

Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by Chef Josie

If you’ve ever wished your favorite pecan pie could meet your dreamiest cheesecake, this Pecan Pie Cheesecake is the holiday miracle you’ve been waiting for. Imagine a buttery graham crust, a silky cream cheese filling, and a glossy pecan pie topping that glistens like caramel under the light. It’s the kind of dessert that walks into a Christmas table and commands attention.

I first made this cake one snowy December during a busy season of Holiday Baking, when I needed something rich, comforting, and festive enough to make a statement without requiring professional pastry skills. This recipe delivered. It’s elegant enough for Christmas Food Ideas, indulgent enough for Thanksgiving Recipes Dessert Cheesecake, and so surprisingly simple that it effortlessly became one of my go-to Easy Christmas Desserts.

Whether you’re planning Holiday Treats, dreaming up Christmas Cookies Recipes, or building out your list of Thanksgiving Pecan Desserts, this recipe is a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that blends nostalgic flavors with creamy decadence.

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Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Cheesecake

• Combines two iconic desserts into one unforgettable holiday treat
• Perfect for Xmas Desserts, Christmas Sweets, or Easy Christmas Treats
• Surprisingly simple to prepare with standard kitchen tools
• Easily adaptable for Pecan Desserts Easy Thanksgiving meals
• Make-ahead friendly for stress-free Christmas Desserts Ideas
• A rich and crunchy Pecan Topping Dessert Recipe that stays glossy and beautiful
• Family-friendly and party-worthy
• Works great as Thanksgiving Cheesecake Bars with batch adaptations

Ingredient Breakdown

For the Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
  Provide a buttery, lightly sweet foundation that balances the rich cheesecake filling.
• Brown sugar
  Enhances holiday warmth and deepens the caramel notes.
• Melted butter
  Binds crust crumbs and adds satisfying richness.

For the Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese (softened)
  The velvety base for our classic cheesecake texture.
• Granulated sugar
  Sweetens without overpowering the pecan pie topping.
• Eggs
  Bind the filling and help it set perfectly.
• Sour cream
  Adds tanginess and prevents cracking, keeping the texture smooth.
• Vanilla extract
  Deep, warm holiday flavor that ties the layers together.

For the Pecan Pie Topping

• Pecans (halves or chopped)
  The star ingredient that gives crunch and aroma.
• Butter
  Creates that glossy caramel coating.
• Brown sugar + granulated sugar
  Build the sweet richness characteristic of pecan pie.
• Corn syrup or maple syrup
  Gives sticky, cohesive texture and extra shine.
• Eggs
  Thicken and bind the topping.
• Vanilla + pinch of salt
  Complete the caramel-pecan profile.

Substitutions

• Use gingersnap cookies instead of graham crackers to add spice for more Holiday Baking appeal.
• Coconut sugar works in place of brown sugar.
• Gluten-free graham crackers easily transform this into a gluten-free dessert option.
• Maple syrup can replace corn syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
• For a lighter option, swap half the cream cheese for Greek yogurt (texture becomes softer but still delicious).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Combine graham crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter until coated.
2. Press into a springform pan, forming a firm base and slightly raising the edges.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until golden, then cool.

2. Mix the Cheesecake Filling

4. Beat softened cream cheese until fully smooth.
5. Add granulated sugar and blend until creamy.
6. Mix in eggs one at a time.
7. Add sour cream and vanilla, blending gently to avoid extra air.
8. Pour filling over cooled crust.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

9. Bake in a preheated oven until edges set and center jiggles slightly.
10. Cool gradually to prevent cracking.

4. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping

11. Combine butter, sugars, and syrup over low heat until melted.
12. Whisk in eggs until thickened slightly.
13. Fold in pecans, vanilla, and salt.
14. Let cool slightly, then spoon over the cooled cheesecake.

5. Chill and Serve

15. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
16. Slice with a warm knife for perfect edges.

Notes and Top Tips

• Chill thoroughly to help layers set cleanly.
• Line the pan bottom with parchment for easier removal.
• Toasting pecans before mixing enhances aroma.
• Don’t overbeat eggs; too much air causes cracks.
• For Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe Easy No Bake, use a stabilized filling with whipped cream and gelatin instead of eggs.
• Add bourbon or rum extract for a festive twist.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving Ideas

• Drizzle with warm caramel sauce.
• Serve with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream.
• Add a side of fresh berries or sugared cranberries for holiday flair.

Variations

• Thanksgiving Desserts Cheesecake Bars
  Bake in a 9×13 pan and cut into squares.
• Chocolate Pecan Pie Cheesecake
  Add melted chocolate to the filling.
• Maple Pecan Cheesecake
  Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Cheesecake
  Finish with flaky sea salt.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store 5 days tightly covered.
• Freezer: Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
• Thaw: Overnight in refrigerator.
• Reheat: Cheesecake is best served cold; pecan topping can be gently warmed if desired.

Why You’ll Make It Again

This Pecan Pie Cheesecake is the perfect fusion dessert for festive gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of creamy indulgence and classic holiday flavor. It fits beautifully into your rotation of Christmas Candy Recipes, Holiday Treats, or Easy Thanksgiving Cheesecake creations. It’s a recipe that turns heads, makes memories, and guarantees you’ll be asked to bring it again.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best prepared 1 day ahead for the flavors to deepen.

2. Can I use light cream cheese?
Full-fat is ideal for structure, but light works with a softer texture.

3. My pecan topping is runny. What went wrong?
The mixture likely didn’t heat long enough to thicken before cooling.

4. Can I make this without corn syrup?
Yes, maple syrup works beautifully and enhances holiday flavor.

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