Pecan-Praline Cheesecake With Caramel Sauce

Manami's Note:

You can use store-bought pralines to make the crust for this fluffy cheesecake, but Big Sugar’s quick praline recipe is worth the extra effort, as is the buttery caramel sauce that gets pooled on top.;) Recipe by Lisa Ritter. From: Big Sugar's Blockbuster Desserts, published in the March 2008 edition of Food & Wine Magazine. Chilling Time - overnight.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 16

CRUST

• ½ cup pecan halves
• ½ cup unsalted butter , melted
• ½ teaspoon unsalted butter , melted
• 1⁄3; cup plus 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 pinch salt
• 10 ounces graham crackers , crushed

FILLING

• 1 lb full-fat cream cheese , softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 24 ounces full-fat sour cream
• caramel sauce , for serving

CARAMEL SAUCE

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter , softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1⁄3; cup dark brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. PREPARE THE CRUST::
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper & wrap the outside of a 10-inch round springform pan with foil.
4. In a medium bowl, toss the pecans with 1/2 teaspoon of the butter, 1/2 tablespoon of the granulated sugar, the brown sugar, the cream and salt.
5. Spread the nuts on the prepared baking sheet and arrange them, right side up in a single layer.
6. Bake for about 18 minutes, until the sugar is caramelized and the pecans are toasted; let cool.
7. Transfer all but 12 of the pecans to a food processor.
8. Add the graham crackers and pulse until finely ground.
9. Add the remaining stick of melted butter and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and pulse until the crumbs are moistened.
10. Press the crumbs over the bottom of the pan and two-thirds of the way up the side of the prepared springform pan.
11. PREPARE THE FILLING:.
12. In a clean food processor, pulse the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth.
13. Add the eggs, one at a time, and pulse until incorporated.
14. Scrape down the side of the bowl.
15. Pulse in the vanilla and sour cream.
16. Scrape the batter into the pan and bake in the center of the oven for about 1 hour, until the top of the cheesecake is lightly golden in spots and the center is slightly jiggly.
17. Transfer the cake to a rack and let cool completely.
18. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate overnight.
19. Unwrap the cheesecake and discard the foil.
20. Remove the ring and transfer the cake to a plate.
21. Arrange the 12 reserved pecans on top.
22. Using a warm, slightly moistened knife, cut the cake into wedges, wiping and rewetting the blade between slices.
23. Transfer the slices to plates and pour some of the Caramel Sauce on top.
24. Serve with the remaining Caramel Sauce.
25. *The cheesecake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
26. PREPARE THE CARAMEL SAUCE:.
27. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter with all three sugars and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
28. Cook over moderately high heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
29. Add the cream and boil for 2 minutes longer.
30. Transfer the caramel sauce to a pitcher.
31. Stir in the vanilla and salt and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.
32. **The caramel can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
33. Whisk to combine before serving.