Here’s a show-stopping Southern dessert that blends buttery pecan pie with creamy cheesecake — perfect for Derby Day or any special occasion. 🥧🍰🐎
🥃 Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake
The Ultimate Southern Dessert Mash-Up
Ingredients
For the crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or vanilla wafers)
¼ cup finely chopped pecans
½ cup melted butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
For the pecan pie layer
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups chopped pecans
2 tbsp bourbon (optional, but very “Kentucky Derby”)
For the cheesecake layer
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
For garnish (optional)
Whole toasted pecans
Caramel or bourbon caramel drizzle
Whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Mix graham crumbs, pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar until combined.
Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside.
Step 2 — Make pecan pie layer
In a saucepan, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, cream, butter, and eggs over medium heat.
Cook just until mixture thickens slightly (do not boil hard).
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, pecans, and bourbon. Let cool slightly.
Step 3 — Make cheesecake filling
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
Stir in sour cream and vanilla.
Step 4 — Assemble
Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust.
Spoon the cooled pecan mixture evenly on top.
Pour remaining cheesecake filling over (it will ripple slightly with the pecan layer).
Step 5 — Bake
Place pan in a water bath (wrap pan in foil to prevent leaks, then set inside a larger pan with hot water halfway up the sides).
Bake 70–80 minutes, until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake rest inside 1 hour.
Chill at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.
Step 6 — Finish & serve
Top with whole toasted pecans and drizzle with caramel or bourbon caramel.
Add whipped cream if desired.
Tips & Variations
Shortcut version: Use a premade pecan pie layer (from bakery or frozen) and fold into cheesecake.
Chocolate Derby twist: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the pecan pie layer.
Bourbon lovers: Brush the crust with 2 tbsp bourbon before adding filling for an extra kick.
Would you like me to also create a mini cheesecake (cupcake-style) version of this recipe that’s easier for parties?