Description
This Browned Butter Pecan Cheesecake is the ultimate fall-inspired dessert. Rich and creamy with a nutty caramel topping, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you want to indulge in something truly special. A buttery graham cracker crust supports the silky cheesecake filling, all finished with a glossy pecan-studded topping made from brown sugar and browned butter.
Ingredients
12 graham crackers, finely crushed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for topping)
1/2 cup light brown sugar (for topping)
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
1 1/4 cups pecans, toasted and chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Combine crushed graham crackers and browned butter. Press firmly into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugars and beat again.
4. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Don’t overmix.
6. Pour filling into the cooled crust. Wrap the pan in foil and place it in a water bath.
7. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
8. Cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. For the topping, brown butter in a skillet. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, and vanilla. Simmer until thickened.
10. Add chopped pecans and let the mixture cool slightly before pouring over the cheesecake.
11. Garnish with whipped cream and whole pecans if desired.
12. Chill briefly before serving.
Notes
Bring all ingredients to room temperature for the smoothest batter texture.
Don’t skip the cooling-in-oven step—this helps prevent cracks.
For best topping texture, let the pecan topping cool 5–10 minutes before pouring.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg