Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes (Printable)
Creamy mini cheesecakes topped with a caramelized pecan filling — sweet, nutty, and ideal for gatherings.
# 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 chopped pecans
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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Evenly divide among muffin liners, pressing each portion firmly to form a compact base.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream; continue mixing on low speed until just incorporated to avoid overbeating.
04 - Spoon the cheesecake batter evenly over prepared crusts in the muffin tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, until centers are just set. Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour.
05 - While cheesecakes chill, combine brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer and stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in chopped pecans and vanilla extract, and let cool slightly.
06 - Spoon the cooled pecan topping generously over the chilled cheesecakes. Chill for an additional 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Mini cheesecakes mean you get the perfect bite of creamy and crunchy every time—no sharing needed.
- This recipe is a holiday showstopper and honestly, it wins new fans every single time I make it.
02 -
- Filling can quickly go from creamy to cracked if you overbake, so trust the jiggle test more than the timer.
- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the topping intensifies their flavor far more than I expected.
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend smoother, making the filling easier to portion and guaranteeing a silky texture.
- Chilling after assembly ensures each bite holds together neatly when unwrapped; it's worth the wait.