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A slice of Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake with a golden pecan topping and creamy cheesecake layers on a white plate.

Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake

This decadent Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the gooey sweetness of pecan pie. A show-stopping Southern dessert perfect for celebrations or holiday tables!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Chilling Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 8 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 720
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
Cheesecake Filling
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
Pecan Pie Topping
  • 1 cup pecans chopped
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Springform Pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand Mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
  3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and sour cream.
  4. Pour filling over crust. Bake for 50–55 minutes until center is just set. Turn off oven and let cheesecake rest inside with door cracked open for 1 hour. Chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
  5. For the pecan pie topping, combine butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and eggs in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in pecans and vanilla.
  6. Spoon pecan topping over chilled cheesecake. Let set before slicing and serving.

Notes

This cheesecake can be made a day in advance. For a bourbon twist, stir 1 tablespoon of bourbon into the pecan pie topping.