Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes (Printable)
Creamy mini cheesecakes crowned with caramelized pecans for a nutty, buttery finish—perfect for holidays and special occasions.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Cheesecake Filling
04 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 cup sour cream
→ Pecan Pie Topping
09 - 2/3 cup pecans, chopped
10 - 1/3 cup brown sugar
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream
13 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to form a compact crust.
03 - Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream; mix until just incorporated. Divide filling evenly among crusts.
04 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until centers are just set. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
05 - While cheesecakes chill, combine brown sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and simmer until mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in chopped pecans and vanilla extract, and cool slightly.
06 - Spoon cooled pecan topping evenly over the chilled cheesecakes. Refrigerate for another 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They taste like the holidays shrunk into perfect two-bite treats—with no pie slicing stress.
- The creamy tang of cheesecake beneath buttery pecans turns any plain afternoon into a celebration.
02 -
- If the cream cheese is still chilled, tiny lumps will haunt your filling no matter how much you mix.
- Let the cheesecakes cool fully before adding topping or their centers can cave — patience pays off here.
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable for creamy filling.
- Letting the brown sugar topping cool just a bit before spooning keeps it plush but not runny.