Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the topping by whisking together 3 eggs, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until the eggs are incorporated and the mixture turns a golden hue, then set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese (2 packages of 8 ounces each) with 2/3 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth. Add 2 eggs and blend until the mixture is velvety and lump-free.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie pastry, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle 2 1/2 cups of lightly toasted chopped pecans evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Carefully pour the reserved topping mixture over the pecans, allowing it to seep slightly down through the nut layer to form a sweet, sticky pecan pie topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the center is just set with a slight jiggle. Remember that the pie will firm up as it cools, so avoid overbaking.
Notes
For variations, you can substitute Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter filling or swap a traditional crust for an almond flour version to go gluten-free. Maple syrup can replace the corn syrup for a richer sweetness, and if pecans aren’t your favorite, walnuts or hazelnuts work just as well. A tablespoon of bourbon added to the filling or even a handful of dark chocolate chips mixed with the nuts offers a delightful twist. The pie is best served slightly chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
