This easy (but delectable!) 5 ingredient no bake pecan pie cheesecake can be made with just 30 minutes of active prep time. Vegan version also included!
2cupscrackers~240 grams, see notes for types and vegan variation
8tablespoonsbuttersee notes for vegan variation
Pecan Filling
24ozcream cheesesoftened
1cupcaramel sauce
Pecan Topping
1½cupspecan halvestoasted
¼cupcaramel saucesee notes for vegan variation
Instructions
Make Crust
Add 10-15 crackers to a food processor and pulse until crumbly. You can also add the crackers to a ziplock bag and smash it with a rolling pin. See notes for shortbread crust replacement.
Melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Add cracker crumbs and butter to either the food processor or a mixing bowl and combine into a coarse dough.
Pour the crumb mixture into a 9 inch circular pie pan or springform pan, and then press this crumb dough o form a nice smooth crust, with a slightly raised edge. Place this in the fridge while you make the filling.
Make Filling
Add 24 oz of cream cheese with 1 cup of caramel sauce and whisk it well to make the cheesecake filling.
Fill and Chill!
Scoop the filling on top of the crust, and then smooth it so it covers the full crust and has a smooth top. Cover the pan with plastic or beeswax wrap and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours to chill, or ideally, overnight!
Top with Pecans
Right before serving, add 1½ cups of toasted pecan halves to a mixing bowl and add ¼ cup of caramel sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Use the caramel-tossed pecan halves to top your cheesecake. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top, and.a nice scoop of ice cream!
Notes
Vegan variation: This cheesecake is super easy to make vegan! By using vegan butter and vegan cream cheese in place of the dairy versions, and make sure to grab yourself a box of Nabisco crackers (which are vegan as-is!)
Shortbread variation: Instead of using Graham crackers, you can also use pecan sandies or pecan shortbread cookies to further enhance the flavor profile. You'll need about 10 oz of shortbread cookies to make a crust!