Creamy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy No-Bake Pie Cheesecake Recipe: Creamy Bliss in Every Bite

Sweet dreams come true with this heavenly no-bake cheesecake pie that combines silky smooth textures and rich, decadent flavors.

Creamy Philadelphia cream cheese blends perfectly with a buttery graham cracker crust to create an irresistible dessert.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of sweetness that melts in your mouth effortlessly.

The simple ingredients and straightforward technique make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Chilled to perfection, this pie delivers a luxurious experience without requiring complex baking skills.

Summer gatherings or casual weekend treats become extraordinary with this show-stopping dessert.

Let’s find out a slice of pure indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 456 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes into Pecan Pie Cheesecake

For The Crust:
  • Pecans: Adds rich, nutty crunch and deepens the toasty flavor profile of the pie base.
  • Graham Crumbs: Creates a classic, sturdy foundation with sweet, graham-like texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides caramel-like warmth and helps bind crust ingredients together.
  • Cinnamon: Introduces a subtle, warming spice that complements the nutty pecans.
  • Unsalted Butter: Ensures a golden, crisp crust with perfect moisture and binding properties.
For The Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers ultra-creamy, smooth base with classic tangy cheesecake essence.
  • White Sugar: Balances sweetness and adds silky texture to the filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Introduces deeper, molasses-like complexity and richness.
  • Cinnamon: Weaves warm, aromatic undertones throughout the creamy filling.
  • Cornstarch: Guarantees a stable, velvety texture and prevents potential filling separation.
For The Topping:
  • No additional ingredients listed in the original recipe.

Tools That Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Easy

  • Springform pan: Essential for creating and removing cheesecake easily.
  • Aluminum foil: Used to wrap pan and prevent water leakage during baking.
  • Food processor: Perfect for pulsing pecans and graham crumbs for crust.
  • Electric mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and blend ingredients smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining cake ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Whisk: Useful for mixing topping ingredients.
  • Spatula: Helps fold pecans and spread topping evenly.
  • Baking sheet: Provides stable surface for water bath.

Bake Your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Like a Pro

  • Pecan Nutty Base

Create a delicious foundation using crushed pecans and graham crackers mixed with sweet brown sugar and warm cinnamon. Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan, then briefly bake to set the delectable crust.

  • Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Blend smooth cream cheese with sugars and a hint of cinnamon until silky. Gently incorporate sour cream and eggs to create a luxurious, velvety mixture. Pour the luscious filling over the cooled crust.

  • Gentle Baking Process

Carefully bake the cheesecake in a warm oven, allowing it to develop a perfect texture. After baking, let it cool slowly in a water bath to prevent cracking and enhance its creamy consistency.

  • Decadent Pecan Topping

Craft a rich caramel-like sauce by melting together butter, brown sugar, and cream. Stir in vanilla and fold in crunchy pecans. Drizzle this heavenly topping over the chilled cheesecake just before serving.

  • Serving and Enjoyment

Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours to set completely. When ready, slice and serve this indulgent dessert that combines the classic flavors of pecan pie and creamy cheesecake.

Tips and Adjustments for Pecan Pie Cheesecake

  • Let cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing. This ensures smoother, lump-free batter and better texture.
  • Use hot water when creating water bath to prevent cracking. Wrap pan tightly in foil to prevent water seepage and protect delicate cheesecake structure.
  • Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles. Toasting nuts beforehand intensifies their rich, warm taste and adds extra depth.
  • Prepare cheesecake up to 3 days in advance. Store covered in refrigerator, adding pecan topping just before serving to maintain crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Garnish with extra toasted pecans, whipped cream dollops, or drizzle of caramel sauce for impressive presentation and added flavor complexity.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake – Serving Made Simple

  • Sweet Southern Pecan Drizzle: Enhance each slice with extra caramel-like pecan topping, creating a luscious golden waterfall of flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake base.
  • Festive Garnish Delight: Sprinkle additional toasted pecans around the edges, adding elegant crunch and visual appeal that makes the dessert look professionally prepared.
  • Cream Companion Pairing: Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream, which balances the rich, sweet notes and provides a cool contrast to the warm pecan topping.
  • Holiday Presentation Style: Arrange thin pecan halves in a decorative circular pattern on top, transforming the cheesecake into a stunning centerpiece that screams southern hospitality and culinary craftsmanship.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake – How to Store Like a Pro

  • Smart Slice Strategy: Cut cheesecake into individual portions before refrigerating, making it easier to grab and enjoy without disturbing the entire dessert.
  • Chilled Shelf Life: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the texture creamy and flavors rich by using an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months – perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers.
  • Quick Serving Tip: Remove cheesecake from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the flavors to bloom and creating a more luxurious texture.
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Creamy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Classic New York-style pie cheesecake delivers creamy indulgence with a buttery graham cracker crust. Rich cream cheese filling creates smooth, tangy perfection you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup pecans
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, full fat, brick-style
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize pecans, graham crackers, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a food processor until uniformly blended, then press firmly into a foil-wrapped springform pan.
  2. Crust Baking: Toast the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until golden, then allow to cool completely, maintaining its compact structure.
  3. Cheesecake Batter Creation: Whip cream cheese with sugars, cinnamon, and cornstarch until silky smooth, then gently incorporate sour cream and eggs, ensuring a uniform, lump-free mixture.
  4. Baking Process: Transfer the batter into the cooled crust, spreading evenly, then place in a water bath and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set but slightly trembling.
  5. Cooling and Chilling: Remove from oven and let cool completely within the water bath, then refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours to develop optimal texture and flavor profile.
  6. Pecan Caramel Topping: Craft a luxurious sauce by melting butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and cinnamon, stirring until a glossy caramel forms, then fold in chopped pecans.
  7. Final Assembly: Lavishly drape the warm pecan caramel over the chilled cheesecake, allowing it to elegantly cascade down the sides, creating a decadent dessert with layers of creamy and crunchy textures.

Notes

  • Prevent Cracking Secrets: Use a water bath and avoid overmixing to keep the cheesecake surface smooth and crack-free.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature for seamless blending and optimal texture.
  • Foil Wrapping Technique: Wrap springform pan tightly with multiple layers of aluminum foil to block water from seeping into the delicate crust.
  • Cooling Strategy: Allow cheesecake to cool gradually inside the water bath, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours to develop rich, deep flavors and perfect consistency.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 456
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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