Description
This Browned Butter Pecan Cheesecake features a cinnamon graham cracker crust, creamy brown sugar filling, toasted buttered pecans, browned butter, and cinnamon whipped cream. Serve it with caramel sauce for a rich fall or holiday dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, loosely packed
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, loosely packed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup prepared toasted pecans
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Remaining toasted pecans, for garnish
- Caramel sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar in a medium bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Transfer the toasted pecans to a plate and let them cool.
- Place 6 tablespoons butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the butter, whisking occasionally, until it foams, the foam begins to subside, and golden-brown milk solids appear.
- Immediately pour the browned butter and all browned bits into a heatproof bowl. Let it cool until warm.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
- Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup melted butter, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and cinnamon until evenly moistened.
- Press the crust mixture firmly across the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.
- Wrap the outside of the springform pan securely with two or three layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.
- Beat the cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth.
- Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Add the sour cream, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and cooled browned butter. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition.
- Scrape down the bowl as needed, then fold in 1 cup of the toasted pecans.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
- Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan.
- Pour warm water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan without rising above the foil.
- Bake for 65 minutes. The edges should look set while the center still jiggles gently.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 30 minutes.
- Crack the oven door and leave the cheesecake inside for another 30 minutes.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath.
- Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 5 to 6 hours or overnight.
- Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and cinnamon to a chilled mixing bowl.
- Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan.
- Pipe or spoon the cinnamon whipped cream over the cheesecake.
- Garnish with the remaining toasted pecans and caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat brick-style cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
- Bring the cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs to room temperature before mixing.
- Mix the filling on low speed to limit excess air and reduce cracking.
- Watch the butter closely because it can burn quickly after the milk solids turn golden.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake. The center should still jiggle gently when you turn off the oven.
- The listed total time does not include the required 5 to 6 hours of chilling.
- Store covered leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze undecorated slices for up to 1 month and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 1022
- Sugar: 54
- Sodium: 633
- Fat: 73
- Saturated Fat: 31
- Unsaturated Fat: 35
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 85
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 13
- Cholesterol: 185