Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a springform pan to ensure easy removal of your cheesecake later.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your springform pan to form a crust, then bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth (about 2-3 minutes). Gradually add in the granulated sugar and butterscotch sauce, mixing until blended.
Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans until evenly incorporated.
Combine: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center has set and jiggles slightly when moved. Turn off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.
Chill: Once cooled, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, drizzle with additional butterscotch sauce, sprinkle with chopped pecans, and add dollops of whipped cream topped with a pinch of cinnamon sugar.
What to Serve Butterscotch Pecan Crunch Cheesecake With
Elevate your dessert experience by serving Butterscotch Pecan Crunch Cheesecake alongside a fresh fruit salad, or pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! These complementary options will enhance the flavors and make for an impressive dessert spread.
Top Tips for Perfecting Butterscotch Pecan Crunch Cheesecake
To ensure you nail this recipe, consider the following tips:
Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly to minimize cracking – this makes for a prettier presentation!
Don't skip the chilling time; this dessert gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
If you can’t find chopped pecans, whole pecans can be roughly chopped at home for a fresh taste.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dessert!), store your Butterscotch Pecan Crunch Cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, allow slices to thaw in the fridge overnight, then serve at room temperature or slightly warmed in the microwave.
Now that you’re armed with the recipe for an unforgettable dessert, dive in and enjoy creating your own Butterscotch Pecan Crunch Cheesecake. Your friends and family are sure to be impressed with this sweet creation!