Description
A luxurious and creamy baked cheesecake topped with tender caramelized pears. This elegant dessert combines the richness of classic cheesecake with the sweet depth of golden pears for a show-stopping finish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for pears)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for pears)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and flour until just combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To caramelize the pears, melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add pear slices, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until pears are tender and golden, about 6-8 minutes.
- Arrange the caramelized pears on top of the chilled cheesecake just before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears for best texture.
- Let cheesecake cool gradually to prevent cracking.
- Can be made a day ahead and topped before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg