Decadent Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Crunchy Pecan Praline
Indulge in this luscious Decadent Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Crunchy Pecan Praline, a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake that is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. This recipe beautifully combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the unique flavor of sweet potatoes, complemented by fragrant spices. The result is a velvety filling set atop a buttery crust, topped with a warm and crunchy pecan praline that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Even non-sweet potato lovers will find it hard to resist this easy yet impressive dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham crackers or gingersnap crumbs
1 3/4 cups (Crushed into fine crumbs)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (For the crust and praline)
Salt
1 pinch (For the crust)
Unsalted butter
1/4 cup, melted (For the crust)
Light brown sugar
3/4 cup, packed (For the filling)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (For flavoring the filling)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (For flavoring the filling)
Ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (For flavoring the filling)
Salt (optional)
1/2 teaspoon (To enhance flavor in filling)
Cream cheese
1 lb (At room temperature)
Pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (For flavoring the filling)
Large eggs
3 (Beaten and added one at a time)
Sweet potato puree
1 cup (Smooth and unsweetened)
Pecan halves
1/2 cup (Coarsely chopped for topping)
Butter
1 tablespoon (For toasting pecans)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons, packed (For the praline topping)
Instructions
1
Prepare the crust: Butter a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker or gingersnap crumbs, sugar, and salt. Drizzle the melted butter over the crumbs and mix until everything is evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture firmly into an even layer on the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese at medium speed until it's smooth and creamy, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. With the mixer still running, gradually add the light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and optional salt. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, fold in the sweet potato puree until fully combined.
4
Pour the filling into the chilled crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly puffed. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature.
5
Prepare the praline topping: While the cheesecake is cooling, coarsely chop the pecans. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the chopped pecans and sprinkle with the brown sugar. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until the sugar has melted and the pecans are well-coated and toasted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
6
Once the cheesecake is completely cooled, spoon the praline mixture around the edge of the cheesecake, creating a beautiful and inviting border. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Sweet Potato Cheesecake?
It is a luscious twist on classic cheesecake that combines creamy richness with sweet potatoes and fragrant spices, topped with a crunchy pecan praline.
What type of crumbs can I use for the crust?
You can use either graham cracker crumbs or gingersnap crumbs.
How long should the crust be chilled before baking?
The prepared crumb crust should be chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the filling.
What is the secret to a smooth cheesecake filling?
Use an electric mixer to beat the room-temperature cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl regularly.
Which spices provide the flavor in the filling?
The filling is flavored with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger.
How should the eggs be added to the mixture?
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition while the mixer is running.
When do I add the sweet potato puree?
The sweet potato puree should be folded in as the final step of the filling preparation, after the eggs have been incorporated.
How long does the cheesecake need to bake?
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes.
How can I tell if the cheesecake is finished baking?
The cheesecake is done when the filling is set and the edges are slightly puffed.
What should I do after removing the cheesecake from the oven?
Let it cool on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature before adding the praline topping.
How do I prepare the pecans for the praline topping?
The pecan halves should be coarsely chopped before being added to the skillet.
How is the praline topping cooked?
Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat, add chopped pecans and brown sugar, and stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until the pecans are toasted and coated.
When should the praline be added to the cheesecake?
Spoon the praline mixture onto the cheesecake only after the cheesecake has completely cooled.
Where is the praline placed on the cake?
Spoon the praline mixture around the edge of the cheesecake to create an inviting border.
Should the cheesecake be chilled before serving?
Yes, once topped with the praline, chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What size pan is used for this recipe?
A 9-inch springform pan is required for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, you should butter the 9-inch springform pan thoroughly before adding the crust.
Can I use salted butter for the crust?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter for the crust.
How much sweet potato puree is required?
You will need 1 cup of smooth and unsweetened sweet potato puree.
Is there vanilla extract in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract are included to flavor the filling.
What kind of sugar is used in the filling?
The filling uses 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar.
What kind of sugar is in the praline topping?
The praline topping requires 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
How much cream cheese do I need?
The recipe requires 1 lb of cream cheese, which should be at room temperature.
Is the salt in the filling mandatory?
The 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the filling is optional and used to enhance the flavor.
What is the texture of the finished filling?
The result is a velvety, creamy filling set atop a buttery crust.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as being perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 16 ingredients used to make the crust, filling, and topping.
How do I press the crust into the pan?
Press the crumb mixture firmly into an even layer on the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, the description characterizes this as an easy yet impressive dessert that is a crowd-pleaser.