Pecan Cheesecake Pie

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A creamy layer of cheesecake adds an unexpected twist to classic pecan pie.

pecan cheescake pie
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Cool Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
2 hrs 10 mins
Servings:
8

Pecan cheesecake pie may not be your first thought, but when it comes to holiday desserts, pecan pie and cheesecake always have a spot on the table. Rich, decadent, and oh-so-good, they can easily outshine any apple or pumpkin pie. But put them together, and you have an unstoppable dessert that's sure to be gobbled up first.

This pecan cheesecake pie looks like a classic pecan pie at first glance, but cut in, and you'll find a layer of cheesecake that magically rests between a traditional, gooey pecan pie filling and crunchy pecan topping. Pecan pie may be "the South's most popular pie," but this version balances the rich sweetness of the original with its tangy cheesecake filling, and brings it all together with a buttery, flaky crust for an irresistible end to any meal. With only 15 minutes of prep time, you'll be making this pie all season long.

Ingredients for Pecan Cheesecake Pie

To make pecan cheesecake pie, you'll need:

  • Refrigerated piecrust: A shortcut option—if you have extra time, you can also make your own.
  • Cream cheese: Use full-fat for the most luscious cheesecake.
  • Large eggs: Adds volume and helps set the layers of the pie for perfect slices.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and pecan pie filling. Can substitute with light brown sugar for the pecan pie layer.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the fillings. Can substitute with whiskey or bourbon.
  • Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness.
  • Chopped pecans: Adds a classic nutty crunch. Pecan halves can also be used.
  • Light corn syrup: Keeps the pecan pie filling smooth.
Pecan Cheesecake Pie

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How To Make Pecan Cheesecake Pie

This pie comes together with only 15 minutes of hands-on time, thanks to a refrigerated piecrust and two fillings that require only a quick mix before baking. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

  • Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Step 2. Fit piecrust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp.
  • Step 3. Mix cheesecake filling until smooth. Pour into piecrust; sprinkle with pecans.
  • Step 4. Whisk together corn syrup and remaining eggs, sugar, and vanilla; pour over pecans.
  • Step 5. Bake on lowest rack 50 to 55 minutes or until set. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

How To Make Pecan Cheesecake Pie Ahead

This pecan cheesecake pie can be made ahead for a great start to your holiday prep. Since this pie benefits from chilling for clean cuts and a nicely set layer of cheesecake, it can be baked and refrigerated for up to two days before serving with good results.

You can also prepare this pie up to three months in advance, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and you're ready to serve.

How To Store Leftover Pecan Cheesecake Pie

We'd be surprised if there are any leftovers, but refrigerate leftover pecan cheesecake pie for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, if frozen, before serving.

More Pecan Pie-Inspired Recipes You'll Love

If you love pecan pie as much as we do, these pecan pie-inspired recipes won't disappoint:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 (15-oz.) package refrigerated piecrusts

  • 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened

  • 4 large eggs, divided

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided

  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract, divided

  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

  • 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans

  • 1 cup light corn syrup

Directions

  1. Prepare oven:

    Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Prepare piecrust:

    Fit piecrust into a 9-inch pie plate according to package directions. Fold edges under, and crimp.

    unbaked pie crust with crimped edges

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  3. Mix cream cheese filling; add to piecrust:

    Beat cream cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla, and salt at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.

    cream cheese filling with hand mixer

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Pour cream cheese mixture into piecrust.

    cream cheese filling in pie crust

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  4. Add pecans:

    Sprinkle evenly with chopped pecans.

    chopped pecans on cheesecake filling in unbaked crust

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  5. Make corn syrup mixture, and add to pie:

    Whisk together corn syrup and remaining 3 eggs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tsp. vanilla.

    mixture for pecan pie

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Pour mixture over pecans. Place pie on a baking sheet.

    pecan pie layer on cheesecake layer unbaked

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  6. Bake pie:

    Bake on lowest oven rack 50 to 55 minutes or until pie is set. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour or until completely cool. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 2 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why does pecan pie need corn syrup?

    Corn syrup adds sweetness to pecan pie filling, but it also prevents crystallization of the sugary filling, keeping it smooth throughout.

  • What can I replace corn syrup with for pecan cheesecake pie?

    Popular substitutes for corn syrup include maple syrup, agave, or other liquid sweeteners, but typically need a bit of flour to help thicken the filling.

  • Why is my pecan cheesecake pie filling runny?

    Be sure to bake until the pie is set. Give it a little jiggle before removing from the oven. If the center wobbles, leave it in for a few additional minutes, and check again.

  • How jiggly should pecan cheesecake pie be when done?

    If you give your pecan cheesecake pie a quick jiggle, the filling should be set throughout. If it wobbles, leave it in for additional time, tenting the crust with foil if needed to prevent browning.

Additional reporting by
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer.

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