Indulge in the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and nutty pecan pie with these Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and rich cheesecake filling, and a caramelized pecan topping, these bite-sized desserts are sure to impress your guests.
INGREDIENTS- Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 1/2 cups, for a buttery crust
- Light Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp (for crust) + 1/2 cup (for topping), for sweetness
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tsp (for crust) + 1/2 tsp (for topping), for warm spice
- Melted Unsalted Butter: 1/3 cup (for crust) + 3 tbsp (for topping)
- Cream Cheese: 16 oz softened, for the creamy filling
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup, to sweeten the filling
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
- Cornstarch: 2 tbsp, for structure
- Sour Cream: 2 tbsp, for tanginess
- Eggs: 2 lightly beaten, to bind the filling
- Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup, to add richness to the topping
- Toasted Pecans: 1 cup chopped, for the nutty topping
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and combine until moistened. Press 2 tbsp of the mixture into the bottom of each liner.
- Step 3:
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, sour cream, and cornstarch until smooth. Gently mix in the eggs until just combined. Pour the filling over the crusts, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
- Step 4:
- Bake the cheesecakes for 20-25 minutes, or until the centers are set with a slight jiggle. Cool in the pan for 1 hour.
- Step 5:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until bubbly. Stir in heavy cream and pecans. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Spoon the cooled pecan topping over the chilled cheesecakes. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve the cheesecakes chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage and thaw overnight in the fridge.
- For an extra decorative touch, add a dollop of whipped cream to each cheesecake before serving.
- Toast the pecans in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to enhance their flavor before adding them to the topping.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Linda suggests adding a splash of bourbon to the pecan topping for a festive twist.
- Chef Marco recommends using gingersnap crumbs instead of graham crackers for a spicier crust.