Paula Deen Pecan Cheesecake Pie Recipe

Irresistible Paula Deen Pecan Cheesecake Pie Recipe

Paula Deen’s pecan cheesecake pie transforms traditional dessert expectations with its decadent fusion of creamy textures and sweet indulgence.

Southern baking magic reaches new heights through this innovative culinary creation that blends classic comfort with unexpected elegance.

Nutty layers intertwine with silky smooth filling, creating a harmonious dance of flavors that captivates every palate.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert represents the perfect balance between nostalgic recipes and modern culinary creativity.

Homemade goodness radiates from each carefully crafted slice, promising a memorable experience for anyone who appreciates refined sweet treats.

Dessert enthusiasts will find themselves enchanted by the complex yet harmonious combination of ingredients that elevate this pie beyond ordinary expectations: dive in and savor the deliciousness.

Why Paula Deen’s Pecan Cheesecake Pie is a Showstopper

  • Indulge in Decadent Layers: This pie combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the gooey, nutty sweetness of pecan pie, creating an irresistible dessert that offers two classic flavors in one spectacular slice.
  • Effortless Elegance: With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Texture Symphony: The smooth, velvety cheesecake base perfectly complements the crunchy, caramelized pecan topping, delivering a delightful contrast of textures that will keep everyone coming back for more.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This pie can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any special occasion where you want to impress without last-minute stress.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Pecan Cheesecake Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crust: Store-bought or homemade pastry base that provides a delicious foundation for the pie.
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that creates a creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and balances the tangy cream cheese.
  • Egg: Helps bind and set the cheesecake layer.
Pecan Layer Ingredients:
  • Dark Corn Syrup: Adds rich sweetness and helps create a glossy, smooth filling.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help thicken the pecan layer.
  • Sugar: Adds additional sweetness to complement the corn syrup.
  • Melted Butter: Enhances flavor and contributes to the rich, smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts that give the pie its signature nutty texture and flavor.
Preparation Extras:
  • Nonstick Baking Spray: Helps prevent the pie from sticking to the pan.
  • Flour: Lightly dusted to help prevent sticking and aid in pie removal.
  • Pie Shield or Foil Strips: Protects pie crust edges from burning during baking.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Pecan Cheesecake Pie

How to Make Paula Deen’s Pecan Cheesecake Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray and dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Shape the Pie Crust

Gently press the pie crust into the prepared pie plate, creating decorative crimped edges. Slide the crust into the refrigerator to chill while preparing the fillings.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheesecake Base

In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Add 1 egg and blend until fully incorporated. Spread this luscious mixture evenly across the bottom of the unbaked pie crust.

Step 4: Craft the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Dark corn syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

Fold in the pecans and carefully spoon the mixture over the cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Shield the pie crust edges with a pie shield or aluminum foil strips to prevent burning. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the pie sets and becomes golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours. The pie will initially appear puffy but will settle as it cools. Once at room temperature, transfer to the refrigerator and chill thoroughly before serving.

Tips for Perfecting Paula Deen’s Pecan Cheesecake Pie

  • Prevent Pecan Layer Bleeding: Sprinkle a thin layer of flour over the cheesecake base before adding pecan mixture. This creates a barrier that stops filling colors from blending unexpectedly.
  • Maintain Precise Cream Cheese Temperature: Pull cream cheese from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before mixing. Softened cheese guarantees smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
  • Shield Delicate Pie Edges: Wrap aluminum foil around crust rim during first 20-25 minutes of baking. Protective covering prevents excessive browning and potential burning.
  • Rest Pie Before Refrigeration: Wait 1-2 hours after baking for complete temperature stabilization. Gradual cooling prevents unsightly surface cracks and ensures structural integrity.
  • Layer Ingredients Strategically: Spoon pecan mixture gently over cheesecake layer using light, controlled movements. Careful technique preserves distinct flavor boundaries and beautiful visual presentation.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Pecan Cheesecake Pie

  • Vacuum Seal: Extract air completely from a specialized bag using a vacuum sealer to lock in freshness and prevent freezer burn. Seal slices individually for easy portioning and maximum preservation.
  • Layered Protection: Wrap the pie first in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil for extra moisture barrier. Double-wrapping prevents ice crystals and maintains the pie's delicate texture during freezing.
  • Temperature Control: Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator or freezer, away from the door to minimize temperature fluctuations. Keep the pie at a consistent 0°F for freezer storage and 40°F or below in the refrigerator to preserve quality and prevent bacterial growth.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Pecan Cheesecake Pie

  • Southern Bourbon Blast: Enhance the pecan layer by adding 2 tablespoons of bourbon whiskey for a rich, warm flavor that complements the sweet pecans and creamy cheesecake base.
  • Chocolate Nutty Dream: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake layer before adding the pecan topping, creating a decadent chocolate-pecan combination.
  • Maple Pecan Paradise: Replace dark corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add a touch of cinnamon to the pecan layer for a warm, autumnal spin on the classic recipe.
  • Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cooled pie and sprinkle with sea salt flakes to elevate the sweet and salty profile of the dessert.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Pecan Cheesecake Pie

Paula Deen’s Pecan Cheesecake Pie emerges as southern baking magic, blending creamy cheesecake smoothness with nutty pecan richness.

Sweet layers of indulgence create complex flavor narratives that dance across taste buds.

Silky cream cheese provides luxurious foundation while caramelized pecans add delightful crunch and warmth.

Southern hospitality whispers through each delectable slice, inviting culinary exploration and comfort.

Home bakers can master this masterpiece with simple ingredients and precise techniques.

Salt sprinkled carefully elevates this dessert from delicious to unforgettable – promising pure pleasure in every heavenly bite.

Passionate bakers, share this recipe, comment below with your baking adventures, and spread sweet southern charm!

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Paula Deen Pecan Cheesecake Pie Recipe

Paula Deen Pecan Cheesecake Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets creamy indulgence in Paula Deen’s pecan cheesecake pie, a luxurious dessert blending classic cheesecake richness with traditional pecan pie sweetness. Warm pecans and silky cream cheese create a delectable harmony you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 refrigerated pie crust
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅔ cup dark corn syrup

Dairy and Sweet Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • ⅔ cup (133 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons (21 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Flavor Enhancers:

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Coat a 9-inch (23 cm) pie plate with nonstick cooking spray, then lightly dust with flour to ensure easy pie removal.
  2. Carefully position the pie crust into the prepared pie plate, crimping the edges decoratively. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while assembling the filling components.
  3. Create the creamy cheesecake foundation by blending cream cheese and granulated sugar until achieving a silky, uniform texture. Incorporate the egg and mix thoroughly until completely integrated. Distribute this smooth mixture evenly across the base of the unbaked pie crust.
  4. Craft the rich pecan topping by whisking dark corn syrup, eggs, granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract in a separate mixing bowl. Gently fold in the chopped pecans, then delicately ladle the mixture over the existing cheesecake layer.
  5. Protect the pie crust edges using a specialized pie shield or aluminum foil strips to prevent excessive browning. Position the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, ensuring the filling sets completely and develops a beautiful golden finish.
  6. Once baked, transfer the pie to a wire cooling rack. Allow the dessert to rest and settle for 1-2 hours at room temperature. The pie will initially appear puffy but will naturally deflate during cooling. After reaching room temperature, refrigerate until thoroughly chilled and firm.

Notes

  • Flavor Melding Magic Happens During Cooling: The pie develops deeper, richer flavors when allowed to rest at room temperature before refrigeration, letting each layer’s taste profile intensify and blend smoothly.
  • Gentle Spooning Preserves Layer Integrity: Carefully transfer the pecan mixture over the cheesecake base to maintain crisp layer boundaries, ensuring a beautiful visual and taste contrast with each slice.
  • Crust Protection Prevents Burning: Wrapping pie edges with aluminum foil or a specialized shield prevents premature browning, keeping the pastry’s golden color uniform and preventing bitter, overcooked sections.
  • Softened Cream Cheese Creates Silky Texture: Bringing cream cheese to room temperature eliminates lumps and ensures a velvety smooth filling that blends effortlessly with other ingredients.
  • Strategic Chilling Maintains Crust Structure: Briefly refrigerating the prepared crust before adding fillings helps maintain its shape, preventing shrinkage and creating a perfectly crisp foundation for the decadent layers.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 367 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 78 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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