Description
Two Southern classics unite in one stunning dessert! This Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake has a buttery crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake, and a gooey pecan pie topping for the ultimate celebration-worthy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, then eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and sour cream. Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Wrap the bottom of the pan in foil. Place in a baking dish with hot water halfway up the sides. Bake for 50–55 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly. Cool completely, then chill at least 4 hours.
- In a saucepan, mix corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, butter, flour, salt, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (5–6 minutes). Stir in pecans and bourbon. Let cool.
- Pour topping over chilled cheesecake and spread evenly. Chill another 1–2 hours before serving.
Notes
Make it ahead—it’s even better the next day. Use vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers or swap pecans for walnuts. Add cinnamon for extra depth, and skip the bourbon if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: cheesecake, pecan pie, derby dessert, southern baking, bourbon