Praline Pecan Cheesecake

Mom made this Cheesecake on special occasions. Usually by Request. It combines Louisiana famous Pralines and Cheesecake. Yum!

CRUST

• 2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 17 full sheet graham crackers)
• 5 tbsp of packed brown sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 10 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

 Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.
2. Combine the crust ingredients in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
4. Cover the outsides of the pan with aluminum foil so that water from the water bath cannot get in

CHEESECAKE FILLING

• 24 ounces  cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups  light brown sugar, loosely packed
• 3 tbsp  all purpose flour
• 1 cup  sour cream, room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup  chopped pecans, toasted

Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
6. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, brown sugar and flour on low speed until well combined and smooth. Be sure to use low speed to reduce the amount of air added to the batter, which can cause cracks. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
7. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until well combined.
8. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to combine after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.
9. Gently stir in the toasted pecans.
10. Pour the cheesecake batter into the crust.
11. Place the springform pan inside another larger pan. Fill the outside pan with enough warm water to go about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. The water should not go above the top edge of the aluminum foil on the springform pan.

Topping

• 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup (ml) heavy whipping cream
• 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup (80g) chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

 make the topping, add everything but the pecans, salt and vanilla extract to a medium pot and heat over medium-low heat until the butter and brown sugar is melted.
17. When the sugar has melted, turn the heat up to medium. When it begins to foam and boil, stir constantly until it reaches 220 degrees, about 2 minutes. Don’t cook it too long (past 220 degrees) or the topping may end up too firm.
18. Remove from heat and stir in the pecans, salt and vanilla extract.
19. Stir vigorously and continuously with your spatula for about 1 minute
20. Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature, then add to the top of the cheesecake and spread evenly.
21. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. The topping will firm up in the fridge, but you will still be able to cut through it easily.