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1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Start by making the pie crust. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough comes together. Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just until smooth.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- After chilling, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press the dough into the dish and trim any excess dough from the edges. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the bottom of the crust to prevent bubbling.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pie crust for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- While the pie crust is baking, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, egg, flour, and a pinch of salt, and beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Place the pie back into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, just until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the pecan topping.
3. Prepare the Pecan Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the eggs to the sugar mixture, whisking until fully incorporated. Fold in the pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated in the syrupy mixture.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the partially baked cheesecake layer. Spread the pecans evenly across the top.
4. Bake the Pie:
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the pecan topping is golden brown and set. The cheesecake should be fully set with a slight jiggle in the center, and the pecans should be lightly toasted.
- If the edges of the pie crust start to brown too much during baking, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pie to set completely.
- When ready to serve, slice the pie into wedges and enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and sweet layers of goodness.
Tips for the Perfect Pecan Cheesecake Pie:
- Chill the Dough:
- Chilling the pie dough before rolling it out helps prevent it from becoming too soft or sticky, and ensures a flakier crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Soften the Cream Cheese:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the sugar. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling without lumps.
- Use Fresh Pecans:
- For the best flavor, use fresh pecans. Toast them lightly in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the topping for an extra depth of flavor.
- Let the Pie Set:
- Allow the pie to cool completely and chill for several hours before slicing. This helps the filling firm up and makes for cleaner slices when serving.
- Serve with Whipped Cream:
- For an extra touch of indulgence, serve each slice of Pecan Cheesecake Pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love Pecan Cheesecake Pie:
Pecan Cheesecake Pie is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery, flaky pie crust forms the base for a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, caramelized pecan topping. The sweet and nutty pecans, combined with the rich cream cheese layer, create a decadent dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
What makes this dessert extra special is its versatility. It’s rich enough to serve at holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas but easy enough to enjoy as a weeknight treat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a way to treat yourself, Pecan Cheesecake Pie will be the star of the show.
The creamy cheesecake filling combined with the sweet, gooey pecan topping creates the ultimate comfort food dessert. Every bite is a little piece of heaven – smooth, crunchy, and utterly satisfying. With just the right balance of sweetness and texture, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a decadent dessert that combines the best of both worlds, give this Pecan Cheesecake Pie a try. It’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion and sure to be a crowd favorite!
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