Imagine the rich, nutty essence of a traditional pecan pie melting seamlessly into the creamy, tangy bliss of classic cheesecake. This Pecan Pie Cheesecake brings together two beloved desserts in one show-stopping treat. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese center, and a gooey pecan topping, every slice is an indulgent bite of Southern charm.

Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever your sweet tooth demands something extraordinary, this dessert is more than a crowd-pleaser—it’s a conversation starter. The glossy pecan topping adds a dramatic finish, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Pecan Pie Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that turns heads and earns you recipe requests. It offers the best of both worlds: the crunch and sweetness of a pecan pie, and the velvety richness of a cheesecake. It keeps well in the fridge, slices beautifully, and always delivers.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply want a unique dessert for a weekend treat, this cheesecake fits the bill. Bonus? It can be made ahead, giving you one less thing to stress about on the big day.
What Kind of Crust Should I Use?
For a classic touch, we use a graham cracker crust, which provides the perfect sweet and slightly crunchy base. However, if you want to get adventurous, a crushed vanilla wafer or even a pecan shortbread crust would pair wonderfully with the nutty topping.
Ingredients for the Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Every layer of this cheesecake plays a role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you need and why:
- Graham cracker crumbs – the sturdy, buttery base that anchors the whole dessert.
- Brown sugar – adds moisture and a caramel-like depth, used in both the crust and topping.
- Melted butter – binds the crust and contributes to richness.
- Cream cheese – the star of the cheesecake layer, it provides that creamy, tangy bite.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the cheesecake filling.
- Eggs – essential for binding and structure.
- Vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor.
- Heavy cream – adds luscious texture to the filling.
- Corn syrup – a key ingredient for the sticky pecan pie topping.
- Chopped pecans – bring the crunch and the signature nutty flavor.
How To Make the Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan and bake briefly to set.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the granulated sugar, followed by the eggs, one at a time. Mix in the vanilla and heavy cream until the batter is silky and well-combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the filling over the crust and bake in a water bath until the center is just set. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate to firm up.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Topping
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and cream. Simmer gently until it thickens, then stir in the pecans. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Allow the topping to set before slicing. Serve chilled for clean cuts and perfect presentation.

How to Serve and Store Pecan Pie Cheesecake
This Pecan Pie Cheesecake is rich and satisfying, easily serving 10 to 12 people with generous slices. Serve it chilled for clean edges, and consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flair.
To store, keep the cheesecake in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 5 days. It also freezes well—just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
What to Serve With Pecan Pie Cheesecake?
Fresh Berries
Their natural tartness balances the richness of the cheesecake beautifully.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
A scoop on the side makes for a dreamy duo.
Whipped Cream
Light and airy, it adds contrast without overwhelming the flavor.
Espresso or Strong Coffee
A bold brew cuts through the sweetness and complements the nuttiness.
Salted Caramel Sauce
Drizzle on top for a decadent finish.
Apple Cider
A warm, spiced cider pairs well with the fall flavors in the pecan topping.
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle
Add a thin layer of chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
Bourbon Glaze
A splash of bourbon adds depth and a bit of a Southern kick.
Want More Cheesecake Ideas?
If you love this pecan pie cheesecake, you’ll enjoy these rich and irresistible creations too:
- Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a fruity-chocolate fusion.
- Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups if you like a citrusy twist.
- Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake for chocolate overload.
- Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake for even more decadence.
- Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie if you’re craving classic comfort flavors.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go traditional or add a chocolate twist? Did you swap the crust? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and indulgent desserts on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your next must-make treat!
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get ready to wow your guests with this indulgent and irresistible Pecan Pie Cheesecake—a dessert mashup that blends the rich, caramelized crunch of Southern pecan pie with the creamy, tangy decadence of a traditional cheesecake. It’s the ultimate dessert for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly unforgettable. Easy to make ahead and even easier to devour, this cheesecake is a must-have for any dessert lover. Great for fans of sweet pies, cheesecake lovers, and anyone searching for easy dessert ideas, Thanksgiving desserts, or show-stopping dinner party treats.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup melted butter
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup light corn syrup
½ cup brown sugar (for topping)
¼ cup butter
¼ cup heavy cream (for topping)
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and foil wrapping for a water bath.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and mix. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract and ½ cup heavy cream.
4. Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Bake in a water bath for about 55–65 minutes until the center is nearly set.
5. Turn off oven and let cheesecake sit inside with door ajar for 1 hour. Then cool to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
6. For the pecan topping, combine ½ cup brown sugar, corn syrup, ¼ cup butter, and ¼ cup heavy cream in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened, then stir in pecans.
7. Cool topping slightly, then pour over the chilled cheesecake. Let set before slicing.
8. Serve chilled with optional whipped cream or caramel drizzle.
Notes
Make sure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
Allow topping to cool before pouring so it doesn’t melt the cheesecake layer.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: pecan pie cheesecake, holiday desserts, Thanksgiving cheesecake, easy cheesecake, nutty cheesecake
