Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes

Why Make This Recipe

Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet pecan pie. They are easy to make and are ideal for gatherings, parties, or simply a sweet treat at home. These individual cheesecakes not only look delightful, but they also satisfy the cravings for both cheesecake and pie. Plus, they’re portion-controlled, making them a great choice when you want just a little something sweet.

How to Make Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Pecan Pie Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped

Optional Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Whole pecans
• Caramel drizzle

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or silicone cups and lightly grease if using liners.
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Portion the crust mixture evenly among muffin cups, pressing firmly into each base. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until set. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
4. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Blend in 1/2 cup granulated sugar until fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Incorporate vanilla extract and sour cream until creamy.
5. Spoon the cheesecake filling into prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Smooth the surfaces with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until edges are set and centers remain slightly jiggly. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
7. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar and light corn syrup until blended. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Fold in chopped pecans.
8. Spoon the pecan topping evenly over each baked cheesecake. Spread gently to cover surfaces.
9. Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes, or until the topping is set and slightly bubbling. Watch closely to prevent overbaking.
10. Remove the pan from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer cheesecakes to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
11. Before serving, garnish each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream, a whole pecan, and a drizzle of caramel. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.

How to Serve Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes

These cheesecakes are best served chilled. You can add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra appeal. They are perfect for dessert at dinner parties or special occasions.

How to Store Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes

Store the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To freeze, wrap each cheesecake tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips to Make Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
• Don’t overbake the cheesecakes; they should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out of the oven.
• Feel free to customize the pecan topping with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.

Variation

You can experiment with different flavors by adding chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling or swapping out the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut for the topping?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust.

How long do these cheesecakes take to prepare?
The total time for preparation and cooking is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but chilling time can add a couple of hours.

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