Heavenly Chocolate Pecan Cream Cheesecake Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Sweet dreams come alive with this decadent chocolate pecan cream cheesecake that promises pure indulgence.

Rich chocolate swirls dance through creamy layers of silky cheesecake, creating a dessert that melts hearts.

Every forkful carries deep, luxurious notes of nutty pecans and velvety chocolate.

The graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch that complements the smooth filling perfectly.

Bakers with a passion for elegant desserts will adore this show-stopping treat.

Cool and sophisticated, this cheesecake transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration of flavor.

You’ll want to savor each incredible bite and share this masterpiece with those closest to you.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 12

Chocolate Pecan Cheesecake Ingredients Overview

• Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: Select dark, rich cookies that provide deep chocolate flavor and create a sturdy base for the cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps bind the crust ingredients and adds richness to the foundation.

• Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for smooth, velvety texture and rich taste.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Balance sweetness and add depth with a combination of white and brown sugars.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs ensure even mixing and help create a silky cheesecake consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet undertones.
• Almond Extract: Optional ingredient that adds subtle nutty complexity.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and helps create a creamy, tender cheesecake texture.
• Melted Chocolate: Select high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for intense chocolate flavor.
• Pecans: Use fresh, crunchy pecans that add nutty richness and textural contrast.

• Heavy Cream: Select high-fat content cream for stable, fluffy whipped topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet whipped cream without graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds delicate aromatic sweetness to the whipped cream.
• Pecan Halves: Toasted pecans provide beautiful garnish and extra crunch.
• Chocolate Ganache/Melted Chocolate: Optional drizzle for additional chocolate decadence.

Must-Have Gear for Chocolate Pecan Cheesecake

• Springform pan: 9-inch round pan with removable sides for easy cheesecake release.
• Mixing bowls: Medium and large sizes for preparing crust and filling.
• Electric mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese and whipping cream smoothly.
• Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly and fold in pecans gently.
• Baking sheet: Provides stable base and catches any potential drips during baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents crust from sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing dry ingredients and combining wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for accurate recipe results.
• Knife: Helps loosen cheesecake edges after baking.

Step Through Chocolate Pecan Cheesecake Prep

• Craft the Base

Create a delectable foundation by crushing chocolate cookies and blending with melted butter. Press the mixture into a springform pan and briefly bake to set the structure.

• Whip the Filling

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, then incorporate sugars, eggs, and flavor enhancers. Fold in melted chocolate and crunchy pecans for a rich, decadent texture.

• Bake with Precision

Gently pour the filling over the crust and slide into a preheated oven. Bake until edges are firm but center remains slightly wobbly. Allow slow cooling inside the oven to prevent cracking.

• Chill and Set

Remove from oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate for several hours to develop deep, creamy flavors and firm consistency.

• Crown with Elegance

Whip fresh cream to soft peaks and generously spread across the chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle with toasted pecans and drizzle with chocolate for a stunning presentation.

• Serve and Enjoy

Slice into wedges and savor each decadent bite. Keep refrigerated and consume within a few days for maximum deliciousness.

Smart Fixes for Chocolate Pecan Cheesecake

• Creamy Cooling Tricks: Prevent your cheesecake from cracking by baking in a water bath and letting it cool gradually inside the oven.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap chocolate cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to make this dessert celiac-friendly.
• Pecan Perfection: Toast pecans before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly version that maintains the delicious chocolate essence.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This cheesecake freezes beautifully – wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Style Your Chocolate Pecan Cheesecake for Serving

• Rich Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Create elegant chocolate swirls over each slice using melted dark chocolate, adding luxurious visual appeal and extra chocolate intensity.
• Nutty Pecan Paradise: Sprinkle additional toasted pecan pieces around the plate's edge, creating a delightful crunch and enhancing the cheesecake's nutty undertones.
• Coffee Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a warm espresso or rich cappuccino, which beautifully complements the chocolate and pecan flavors, elevating the dessert experience.
• Whipped Cream Artistic Touch: Use a decorative piping technique with the whipped cream, creating beautiful rosettes or elegant swirls that make each slice look professionally crafted.

Plan, Chill, and Store Chocolate Pecan Cheesecake

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Keep the cheesecake in an airtight container with a sealed lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for extra protection.
• Freezing Magic: Successfully freeze individual slices by wrapping them separately in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor restoration.
• Shelf Life Wisdom: Enjoy your delectable dessert within 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming leftover slices.
• Temperature Tender Care: Maintain consistent refrigerator temperature around 40°F (4°C) to ensure the cheesecake stays safe and delicious. Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its creamy texture and rich flavors.

Irresistible Chocolate Pecan Cream Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate pecan cream cheesecake delights dessert enthusiasts with creamy indulgence. Pecans and chocolate create a luxurious harmony that satisfies sweet cravings and promises delectable pleasure.

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Ingredients

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• 3 packages (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz (226 g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) chocolate cookie crumbs
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans
• ½ cup (60 g) toasted pecan halves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
• 2 tbsps powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chocolate ganache or melted chocolate (optional)

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Instructions

1. Crust Creation: Pulverize chocolate cookies into fine crumbs, blending with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined springform pan, forming a solid, compact base.
2. Cream Cheese Preparation: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually mixing in granulated and brown sugars. Blend eggs individually, ensuring complete incorporation after each addition. Introduce vanilla and almond extracts, folding in sour cream to enhance the mixture’s luxurious consistency.
3. Chocolate and Pecan Integration: Melt chocolate to a glossy sheen, gently swirling into the cream cheese base. Fold chopped pecans throughout the mixture, distributing nutty textures evenly.
4. Baking Process: Transfer the filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the surface meticulously. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven. Watch for set edges with a subtle center jiggle, then allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent cracking.
5. Cooling and Finishing: Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours to develop optimal flavor and texture. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until forming dramatic peaks. Adorn the chilled cheesecake with billowing whipped cream, garnishing with toasted pecan halves and an optional chocolate drizzle for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking Technique: Cool the cheesecake gradually by leaving it in the oven with the door slightly open after baking to minimize surface cracks and ensure smooth texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more uniform batter without lumps.
• Baking Water Bath Option: Consider using a water bath (placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water) to create more even, gentle heat and reduce cracking potential.
• Nut Allergy Adaptation: For those with nut allergies, replace pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or omit entirely, ensuring the chocolate essence remains prominent in the cheesecake.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 458
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 251 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg