Indulge in the cozy flavors of winter with our Butter Cinnamon Pecan Cheesecake, a creamy delight perfect for any holiday gathering.
This rich cheesecake, nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, is infused with the warmth of cinnamon and topped with crunchy pecans, creating a symphony of textures in every bite. Finished with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, this dessert is sure to be the star of your winter festivities.
Ingredients
| 2 | (5.5-ounce) packages PLANTERS® Butter Cinnamon Pecans, divided |
| 1½ | cups graham cracker crumbs |
| ⅓ | cup sugar |
| ⅓ | cup butter, melted |
| 3 | (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened |
| 1½ | cups sugar |
| 2 | cups sour cream |
| 1 | teaspoon vanilla |
| 3 | eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten |
| Salted caramel dessert sauce, if desired |
Directions
Heat oven to 325°F.
In bowl of food processor, place contents of 1 package PLANTERS® Kettle Cooked Butter Cinnamon Pecans. Process until very finely chopped. Reserve remaining package for garnish.
In large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup chopped pecans, sugar and butter. Press mixture onto the bottom and 1 inch up the side of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
Place springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Securely wrap foil around pan.
In large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Fold in remaining chopped pecans. Pour into crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 inch of hot water to larger pan.
Bake 75 to 85 minutes, or until center is almost set. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool 10 minutes on wire rack. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled. Remove rim of pan.
Garnish top of cheesecake with reserved pecans. Serve with dessert sauce, if desired.