Description
This Brown Butter Pecan Cheesecake is a decadent dessert with a creamy filling, nutty brown butter richness, crunchy toasted pecan topping, and sweet caramel drizzle. Perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 packages (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown butter, cooled
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Melt 1 cup of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until golden brown and nutty-smelling, about 5–7 minutes. Cool and reserve 1/2 cup for filling.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool.
- Beat cream cheese in a stand mixer until smooth. Add granulated sugar and mix well. Add sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Mix in eggs one at a time on low speed. Fold in cooled brown butter.
- Pour the batter over the crust. Optional: place the pan in a water bath. Bake for 55–65 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles. Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar for 1 hour.
- Cool fully on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In a saucepan, add the remaining 1/2 cup brown butter. Stir in pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbly. Let cool slightly.
- Spoon the pecan topping over the cheesecake.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Make ahead for special occasions.
- Best served chilled.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Brown Butter Pecan Cheesecake, Dessert, Cheesecake, Pecan, Brown Butter