Description
This Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake marries Southern dessert traditions with creamy cheesecake brilliance. Bourbon-infused layers and caramelized pecans create an irresistible Southern classic you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups chopped roasted pecans
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup maple syrup or dark corn syrup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup warm cream
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 4 tbsps cold butter
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 2 tsps bourbon whiskey
- ½ tsp salt
- Whole pecans, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Creation: Pulverize graham crackers and meld with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a springform pan, covering the bottom and lower sides with an even, compact layer.
- Cheesecake Base: Whip cream cheese until ultra-smooth, gradually incorporating sugar and eggs while blending to achieve a silky, lump-free consistency. Infuse with vanilla extract and bourbon for a Kentucky-inspired essence.
- Layering Technique: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust, ensuring uniform distribution and gentle handling to maintain the delicate texture.
- Pecan Topping Preparation: Craft a luxurious caramel sauce by simmering brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter until glossy. Fold in whole and chopped pecans, creating a rich, nutty coating.
- Pecan Drizzle: Cascade the pecan mixture across the cheesecake’s surface, allowing it to naturally spread and create an enticing, textured top layer.
- Baking Process: Position the assembled cheesecake in a preheated oven, baking until the center demonstrates a subtle, delicate jiggle – indicating perfect doneness.
- Cooling and Setting: Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight to solidify and develop deep, complex flavors.
- Serving Presentation: Carefully release from the springform pan, optionally garnishing with additional pecans for a decorative and delectable finish.
Notes
- Prevent Crust Crumbling: Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter thoroughly to create a compact, stable base that holds together perfectly when sliced.
- Smooth Cheesecake Technique: Whip cream cheese at room temperature and beat slowly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky, professional-grade texture without overbeating.
- Bourbon Balance: Add bourbon sparingly to enhance flavor without overwhelming the delicate cheesecake profile; start with less and adjust to taste.
- Crack-Free Cooling Strategy: Allow cheesecake to cool gradually at room temperature, then refrigerate slowly to prevent surface cracks and maintain a flawless appearance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 569
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 174 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 136 mg