This luscious baked cheesecake features a silky, rich cream cheese filling with a crisp graham cracker crust, topped with golden caramelized pears. It’s a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting, perfect for any occasion that calls for something sweet and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesecake is incredibly smooth, balanced in sweetness, and finished with a beautiful topping that adds both flavor and visual appeal. The baked texture ensures a firm yet creamy bite, and the caramelized pears introduce a fruity depth that complements the richness of the filling. It stores well and can even be made in advance for holidays or dinner parties.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Sour cream
Vanilla extract
Graham crackers or digestive biscuits
Unsalted butter (melted)
Ripe pears
Brown sugar
Lemon juice
Ground cinnamon (optional)

directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a springform pan.
In a food processor, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and press into the bottom of the pan. Chill for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat again.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla until fully combined.
Pour the batter over the prepared crust. Tap gently to release air bubbles.
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Peel and slice the pears. In a skillet, cook them with brown sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of cinnamon until golden and soft.
Cool the pears, then arrange on top of the chilled cheesecake before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Cooling time: 5 hours minimum (including chilling)
Total time: approx. 6 hours

Variations

Replace pears with apples, peaches, or berries for seasonal variety.
Use a chocolate cookie crust for a richer contrast.
Add a layer of salted caramel or honey on top before adding the fruit.
Infuse the filling with lemon zest or almond extract for a twist.

storage/reheating

Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen (without the fruit topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Do not reheat cheesecake; serve it chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use a water bath when baking?

Yes, a water bath helps prevent cracking and ensures even baking, especially in traditional cheesecakes.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

The edges should be set, and the center should still have a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools.

What kind of pears are best for caramelizing?

Firm, ripe pears such as Bosc or Anjou work well as they hold their shape during cooking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free cookies or crackers for the crust.

Is it necessary to chill the cheesecake overnight?

Chilling allows the texture to set properly and enhances flavor. At least 4 hours is required, but overnight is best.

Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone can be used but may make the texture slightly richer and softer.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cracks are usually caused by overbaking or sudden temperature changes. Let it cool gradually in the oven.

Can I skip the fruit topping?

Yes, it’s optional. The cheesecake is delicious on its own or with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel.

How long does the pear topping last?

Use the topping within 2 days. Store separately in the refrigerator and spoon onto slices just before serving.

Can I prepare the cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely. It can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept chilled until ready to serve.

Conclusion

This baked cheesecake with caramelized pears is a decadent dessert that balances richness and elegance with simplicity. Its creamy interior, buttery crust, and fruit-forward topping make it a perfect choice for gatherings, celebrations, or anytime you crave something extraordinary.