Caramel Pecan Cheesecake
Each bite of this Caramel Pecan Cheesecake is a piece of cheesecake heaven! This dessert is off the charts with a caramel layer followed by a cheesecake filling and topped with pecans!
If you love cheesecake but dislike the fuss of making one, you are in the right place. This Caramel Pecan Cheesecake is a game changer. Not only is it delicious, it is easy to make. This cheesecake requires only a few simple ingredients and steps to make a fantastic dessert. This creamy homemade cheesecake will have people returning for more, perfect for potlucks and gatherings and enjoying it as a sweet treat after a family meal.
Grab your ingredients and get started. You aren’t going to want to miss your chance to try this perfect dessert. Caramel Pecan Cheesecake will satisfy all your cravings for an extra creamy cheesecake without all the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses a prepared crust and other simple ingredients. It is easy to make and requires minimal effort to whip up. It is a fantastic dessert for those who want a delicious cheesecake without too much work.
- Versatile: Cheesecake is an extremely versatile dessert. It can be served at various occasions, events, and celebrations. Whether you are making this for a potluck, birthday party, or just to enjoy after a weeknight meal, everyone will be impressed with the final result.
- Texture Contrast: The smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake contrasts with the gooey caramel and crunchy pecans, providing a satisfying variety of textures in each bite.
- Comfort Food: Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence. It is an amazing comfort food experience. With its creamy texture and crunchy, sweet graham cracker crust, every bite will feel like a warm hug.
Ingredients
The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Caramels
- Milk
- Pecans (chopped)
- Graham cracker pie crust
- Caramel sauce (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
How to Make
- Step One: Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until blended (about 2 to 3 minutes). Add in eggs and mix until blended.
- Step Two: Melt caramels with milk in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Stir constantly once they start to melt. Stir in pecans.
- Step Three: Pour caramel mixture over the crust. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the caramel mixture.
- Step Four: Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Cool in the fridge for 3 hours or overnight before serving. Top with caramel sauce and chopped pecans, if desired.
Equipment Needed
This post contains affiliate links.
What to Serve with Caramel Pecan Cheesecake
You can serve anything you like with this delicious cheesecake. No matter what you choose, it is sure to be a hit.
- Homemade Lemon Curd
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Rainbow Fruit Salad
- Instant Pot Dulce De Leche
- Instant Pot Strawberry Jam
Variations and Substitutions
- Crust Variations: Rather than using a graham cracker crust, you can use the crust you choose. A chocolate cookie or shortbread crust can add a flavor profile to the cheesecake. You can even opt to use an almond or pecan crust to enhance the nuttiness of the cheesecake. If you love making homemade graham cracker pie crust, go for it. I just bought a store-bought one because of how easy it is in terms of prep. Another option to try is a Nilla wafer crust. You replace the graham crackers with Nilla wafers. It is SO good.
- Caramel Options: Use a different type of caramel, such as salted caramel, for a sweet and salty contrast. It will add to the flavor of the cheesecake and highlight the nuttiness as well.
- Nut Substitutions: If you don’t like pecans or have allergies, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. You can also toast the nuts before adding them to the caramel to add another dimension of flavor.
- Add-ins: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese. This will add a hint of spice and a warm flavor profile to the cheesecake itself.
Storage Instructions
If you want to store your cheesecake for later enjoyment, you can keep it in the fridge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can I Freeze?
Yes! You can freeze this cheesecake. Make sure it is in a freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly with aluminum foil. It can be kept in the freezer for up to a month.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before starting. This will help to make your cheesecake creamier and smoother in texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and other ingredients just until they are combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, leading to cracks on the surface of the cheesecake.
- Patience with Caramel: When melting caramels for the caramel sauce, stir constantly and be patient. Caramel can burn easily, so low heat and constant stirring are important for a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Cool Gradually: After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool gradually. Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as placing a hot cheesecake directly in the fridge. This helps prevent air bubbles from forming cracks on the surface of the cheesecake.
- Don’t Forget to Chill: Skipping the chilling step will ruin your cheesecake. Allowing it to chill is the best option to make sure that the flavors meld and the cheesecake is properly set. You can chill it in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.
- Sharp Knife for Slicing: When ready to serve, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to make clean and smooth slices. Wipe the knife between cuts to ensure your cuts are neater and more visually appealing.
Do I Need a Water Bath?
No, you don’t require a water bath for this cheesecake. It is meant to be quick, easy to prepare, and simple to bake. Some cheesecakes do require water baths, but that is not the case for this particular cheesecake.
How to Tell When it’s Done
- Set Edges, Slightly Jiggly Center: A properly baked cheesecake typically has set edges while the center remains slightly jiggly. The edges of the cheesecake should appear firm and may start to pull away from the sides of the springform pan.
- Uniform Color: The top of the cheesecake should have a uniform color. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to cracks on the surface.
- Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick or a thin knife into the center of the cheesecake. It should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, but not wet batter. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cheesecake may be overcooked.
- Slight Wobble: Gently shake the pan. The center of the cheesecake should have a slight wobble, similar to gelatin. If it jiggles excessively, it may need more time in the oven.
How to Cut a Cheesecake
To cut a cheesecake properly, you can use a hot knife. Ensure the blade is sharp and dip it into hot water before slicing. It is also important to wipe off your knife between slicing the cold cheesecake to ensure an excellent, clean cut of each slice.
Why is My Cheesecake Lumpy?
For a smooth cheesecake, make sure your cream cheese is soft and at room temperature. If your cheesecake batter turns out lumpy, it might be because the cream cheese wasn’t softened enough. You can also use a blender, whether it’s a hand blender or a stand mixer, to whip and smooth out the batter for a better texture.
Cheesecake Recipes
- Pecan Pie Cheesecake
- Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Cappuccino Cheesecake
- Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes
- Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Twix Cheesecake
- Black Forest Cheesecake
- Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Cheesecake Squares with Chocolate Nut Crust
Try these Pecan Pie Cupcakes, Pecan Butter Tarts and homemade caramel sauce.
Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.
Caramel Pecan Cheesecake
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Ingredients
- 2 packages cream cheese 8oz/250g packages, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 20 caramels
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ cup pecans chopped
- 1 ready to use graham cracker pie crust
- caramel sauce and chopped pecans for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with a mixer on medium speed until blended (about 2 to 3 minutes). Add in eggs and mix until blended.
- Melt caramels with milk in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Stir constantly once they start to melt. Stir in pecans.
- Pour caramel mixture over crust. Pour cream cheese mixture over the caramel mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Cool in the fridge for 3 hours or overnight before serving. Top with caramel sauce and chopped pecans, if desired.
Equipment
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to see it! Make sure to share it on your favorite social platform.
Want Even More Recipes?
Join Moms Best Recipes to find more delicious family recipes.free ebook!
The Best of Simply Stacie
When you subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates!
Looking forward to trying this recipes right away! Thank you!
Wow this looks Yummy, I just have to try this one.. Thanks!
Holy moly that sounds like a winner!
Thanks for the delicious recipe!
That cheesecake looks scrumptious. I will definitely have to try this recipe sometime.
WOW! holy yumminess!!!