Mini Pecan Pie Cheesecakes

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly spray the liners with nonstick baking spray, set aside until needed.

Step 2

In a large bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, both sugars, cinnamon ,salt, and melted butter.

Step 3

Using a rubber spatula, stir well to evenly combine. Divide the filling evenly among the prepared liners, adding about 1 heaping tablespoonful to each cup. Press the crust down firmly into an even layer (I use the back of a tablespoon to do this).

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes then remove from the oven and set aside to cool. In the meantime, make your filling.

Step 5

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees (F).

Step 6

In the bowl of a food processor, or in a large bowl using an electric hand held mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream until very smooth.

Step 7

Add in both sugars and vanilla and beat smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Step 8

On low speed, add in the egg and egg yolk and beat until just combined. Do not over mix.

Step 9

Turn the mixer off and, using a rubber spatula, gently stir in the cream, ground cinnamon, and flour, mixing until evenly combined.

Step 10

Divide the filling evenly among cups, pouring it on top of the prepared crust layer. The molds will be very full.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 16 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the door closed for another 12 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the pan from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool to the touch, place the pan in the fridge to chill for at least 2 and 1/2 hours.

Step 13

In a large skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Add in the brown sugar and cook, stirring with a whisk, until the sugar has melted and mixture is bubbling, about 2 minutes.

Step 14

Add in the cinnamon, heavy cream, and salt and whisk to combine.

Step 15

Add in the pecans and, using a rubber spatula, fold them into the liquid mixture until they're completely coated. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

Step 16

Transfer to a large bowl and cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 17

Divide the mixture on top of the chilled cheesecakes. Top with swirls of whipped cream, if desired, and serve at once.