Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe for Celebrations

My latest kentucky derby pecan pie cheesecake obsession started during a lazy Sunday afternoon experiment.

Rich cream cheese blends with sweet pecans in this decadent dessert mashup.

Southern charm meets creamy indulgence through each delectable slice.

Crisp graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation for layered flavors.

Nutty caramel notes dance across each silky smooth bite.

Bourbon whispers a subtle warmth through this classic Southern-inspired treat.

Trust me, you’ll want to experience this delightful culinary celebration right now.

Why This Cheesecake Shines on Derby Day

• Blend the iconic Kentucky Derby spirit with a classic cheesecake, creating a dessert that honors Southern culinary heritage and brings a festive touch to any gathering.
• Craft a show-stopping dessert with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking to impress their guests.
• Enjoy the luxurious combination of creamy cheesecake base and crunchy pecan topping, delivering a mouthwatering contrast that tantalizes every taste bud.
• Prepare this dessert in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and reducing stress during party planning or special events like Derby Day celebrations.

Kentucky Pecan Cheesecake Ingredient List

• Graham Cracker Crumbs, Unsalted Butter: Classic base for a creamy cheesecake with a sweet, crunchy texture. Graham crackers provide a traditional flavor and buttery richness helps bind the crust together.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy base for the cheesecake with a rich and creamy consistency. Full-fat variety recommended for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth texture in the filling.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together. Room temperature eggs blend more easily.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake. Full-fat version preferred for richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.

• Dark Corn Syrup: Classic southern pie ingredient that creates a rich, sticky caramel-like layer.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness to the pecan topping.
• Pecans: Signature nut of Kentucky Derby pie, providing crunch and nutty flavor. Whole or chopped pecans work well.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel-like sauce.
• Large Egg: Helps bind and thicken the pecan topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the nutty pecan flavor with warm undertones.

How to Make Derby Pecan Cheesecake

Prepare Graham Cracker Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture becomes thoroughly combined and slightly sandy in texture. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the remaining components.

Whip Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs

Beat the ingredients until smooth and completely free of lumps. Pour the silky cream cheese mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust.

Create Decadent Pecan Topping

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Butter
• Chopped pecans

Heat the mixture until it becomes glossy and slightly thickened. Gently drizzle the warm pecan mixture over the cheesecake filling, creating swirls and patterns.

Bake To Perfection

Place the springform pan in a preheated oven at 325F (170C). Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the center remains slightly jiggly while the edges become set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Chill And Serve

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become wonderfully creamy. Before serving, run a knife around the pan’s edge to release the springform sides.

Tips for Cheesecake Results

• Seal the Crust Perfectly: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that prevents filling from leaking and ensures a crisp texture.
• Prevent Cracking Technique: Bake cheesecake in a water bath to maintain even temperature, reduce surface cracks, and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Room Temperature Magic: Allow cream cheese, eggs, and other dairy ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to guarantee a silky, lump-free filling.
• Pecan Placement Pro: Toast pecans briefly before adding to the recipe to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy during baking.
• Cool Slowly for Success: After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool gradually to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause structural issues.

Keeping Cheesecake Fresh After Baking

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Slice the cheesecake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake keeps well for 1-2 months.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake slices to the refrigerator overnight to slowly defrost, preserving texture and flavor.
• Enjoy cheesecake chilled or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance taste.

Toppings That Pair with Derby Cheesecake

• Pair this decadent cheesecake with a classic Old Fashioned cocktail featuring bourbon, bitters, and a sugar cube to complement the pie's rich, sweet pecan notes.
• Top a slice with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, creating a creamy contrast that balances the cheesecake's dense texture and nutty flavor.
• Serve alongside a shot of dark, rich espresso, which cuts through the sweetness and brings out the deeper caramel undertones of the pecan pie cheesecake.
• Drizzle a small amount of smooth caramel liqueur over the cheesecake slice, intensifying the dessert's existing caramel and pecan flavors for a luxurious finishing touch.

Cheesecake Flavor Swaps and Add-Ins

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly crust that maintains the pie's rich texture.
• Vegan Alternative: Replace butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free cream cheese, and substitute eggs with a cornstarch or flax egg mixture to craft a plant-based cheesecake that's creamy and decadent.
• Low-Sugar Option: Utilize monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of traditional sugar, and incorporate sugar-free pecans to reduce overall carbohydrate content while preserving the classic Kentucky Derby flavor profile.
• Bourbon-Infused Variation: Enhance the traditional recipe by adding a splash of authentic Kentucky bourbon to the cheesecake filling, intensifying the regional spirit and creating a more complex, adult-oriented dessert experience.

Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Kentucky Derby pecan pie cheesecake blends Southern charm with creamy indulgence, creating a dessert that sings of classic American traditions. Rich layers of nutty pecans and silky cheesecake promise a delectable experience that celebrates Kentucky’s culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 cups chopped roasted pecans
• 2 large eggs
• 4 large egg yolks

Sweeteners and Syrups:

• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup maple syrup or dark corn syrup
• ¼ cup milk

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup melted butter
• 4 tablespoons cold butter
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup warm cream
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons bourbon whiskey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Whole pecans, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by thoroughly blending crumbs with melted butter, ensuring complete incorporation.
2. Carefully press the crumb mixture into the springform pan, creating an even layer covering the bottom and extending partially up the sides.
3. Transfer the prepared crust to the refrigerator, allowing it to set and firm while assembling the subsequent components.
4. Whip cream cheese until smooth and velvety, eliminating any potential lumps through careful mixing.
5. Gradually introduce sugar and eggs, blending consistently to maintain a silky, uniform texture.
6. Fold in vanilla extract and bourbon, infusing the cheesecake with rich, aromatic undertones characteristic of Kentucky Derby traditions.
7. Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust, ensuring an even distribution.
8. Prepare the pecan topping by meticulously combining brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan, heating until the mixture becomes glossy and integrated.
9. Incorporate whole and chopped pecans into the caramel-like sauce, creating a decadent, nutty layer.
10. Delicately drizzle the pecan mixture across the cheesecake’s surface, allowing it to naturally spread.
11. Place the assembled cheesecake in the preheated oven, baking until the center is barely set with a subtle jiggle.
12. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool gradually at room temperature, preventing potential cracking.
13. Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours or overnight, enabling complete setting and flavor development.
14. Before serving, carefully release the springform pan and garnish with additional pecans if desired.

Notes

• Opt for room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends effortlessly.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the pie’s texture.
• Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to prevent cracking and promote even baking.
• Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 508
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg