Praline Pecan Cheesecake

For the crust;

In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon and butter with a fork until evenly moistened. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the crumbs into the pan and pat down into the base and 1-inch up the sides.

Sprinkle with ½ cup praline pecan pieces. (Recipe follows)

Place pecan pieces on a lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and toss. Sprinkle with a few drops of water and toss until coated and pecans are sticky. Bake in 325 degree oven for 5 – 8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, then break apart.

Sprinkle 1/2 cup praline pecans over graham cracker crust. Drizzle crust with ¼ cup (or more to your liking) of Mrs. Richardson’s Butterscotch-Caramel (or similar ) ice cream topping.

Place finished crust in refrigerator while assembling cheesecake filling.

Filling:

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute until smooth and free of any lumps. Add the eggs one at a time and continue to beat slowly until combined. Gradually add the sugar and beat until creamy, for 1 – 2 minutes.

Add the sour cream and vanilla. Periodically scrape down the sides of the bowl and the beaters. The batter should be well mixed but not overbeaten. Pour the filling into the chilled crust-lined pan and smooth top with a spatula. Drizzle butterscotch-caramel ice cream topping over filling and swirl with a knife.

Set the cheesecake pan on a large piece of aluminum foil and fold up the sides around it. Place the cake pan in a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until the water is about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan; the foil will keep water from seeping into the cheesecake. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. When it’s done, the cheesecake should jiggle (it will firm up after chilling so be careful not to overcook). Let cool in roasting pan for 30 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Loosen the cheesecake from the sides of the pan by running a thin metal spatula around the inside rim. Slice into 16 servings with a thin, non-serrated knife that has been dipped in hot water. Wipe the knife dry after each cut. Sprinkle cheesecake with remaining praline pecans and drizzle with more butterscotch-caramel ice cream topping.

Serve and enjoy!