### Butter Pecan Cheesecake Recipe: A Sweet Delight
Creating a delicious butter pecan cheesecake is easier than you might think! This creamy dessert combines the richness of cream cheese with the nutty goodness of pecans. Follow these detailed steps to make your own butter pecan cheesecake at home.
#### Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (32 oz)
- ⅓ cup sugar (4 tablespoons)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (about 1 and a half sticks)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (170 grams)
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 15 oz can sweetened condensed milk (about 2 cups), divided
#### Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
### Step-by-Step Guide
#### Step 1: Prepare the Crust
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper.
2. **Blend Crust Ingredients:** In a blender or food processor, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well mixed.
3. **Press into Pan:** Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for about 10 minutes, then let it cool on a wire rack.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
1. **Mix Cream Cheese Base:** In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. **Add Sugar and Eggs:** Gradually add sugar while mixing, ensuring it’s well incorporated. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and salt.
3. **Blend Condensed Milk:** Slowly mix in half of the sweetened condensed milk with the electric mixer.
#### Step 3: Combine Ingredients
1. **Fold Remaining Ingredients:** Gently fold in the remaining condensed milk until just combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. **Pour Mixture into Pan:** Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a rubber spatula.
#### Step 4: Bake and Cool
1. **Bake Cheesecake:** Place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any overflow. Bake for about 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has slight jiggle.
2. **Cool and Chill:** Turn off the oven but keep the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open (to prevent sudden temperature drops). Let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour before chilling in the refrigerator overnight.
#### Step 5: Top with Butter Pecans
1. **Prepare Topping:** While the cheesecake is cooling, toast pecans by spreading them evenly on a baking sheet and roasting at 325°F (160°C) for about 8-10 minutes.
2. **Melt Butter:** Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. **Mix Pecans with Butter:** Stir melted butter into the toasted pecan pieces until well coated.
#### Step 6: Finish and Serve
1. **Drizzle Topping:** Once cooled, drizzle the pecan-butter mixture over the cheesecake just before serving.
2. **Slice and Enjoy:** Slice the cheesecake using a sharp knife for neat cuts. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a decadent butter pecan cheesecake that’s sure to impress your guests! Perfect this recipe during the holiday season or anytime you crave something sweet and nutty.