This is one of those decadent desserts that your friends and family are going to swear you bought at some fancy bakery. You may have to share this recipe to prove you made it.

Easy Caramel Pecan Cheesecake

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 60 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Serves 8 to 10

This dessert will light up your world. (Southern Bite)

Ingredients

• 9 full sheets of graham crackers, crushed (about 1½ cups crushed)
• ½ cup finely chopped pecans
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1¼ cups firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups pecan halves (I used these)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9-inch spring-form pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, pecans and butter. Stir well. Pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of the spring-form pan and press firmly to create a crust.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with a bowl and hand mixer) combine the softened cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla until well combined. Add the eggs and mix well.
4. Pour the batter onto the crust. Lightly tap the pan on the counter to get out any air bubbles.
5. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is almost completely set. Cool and then refrigerate overnight to allow the cheesecake to firm up before serving (or at least 3 hours for those impatient folks).
6. To make the topping, spread the pecans on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for about 3 minutes. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar and heavy cream. Cook until bubbly, then stir in the toasted pecans. Cool to room temperature before pouring over the cooled cheesecake.

This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out The Southern Bite Cookbook.