Kentucky Derby Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325°F (170°C).
• In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir to combine.
• Pour the mixture into a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan and press it evenly into the bottom and halfway up the sides. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill.
• In a large bowl add the cream cheese, sugar, and milk. With a hand mixer, beat until fluffy and fully incorporated.
• Add in the sour cream, flour, 2 teaspoons of the bourbon, and the two eggs and gently continue to mix until the cream cheese filling is smooth.
• Pour the mixture into the springform pan with the graham cracker crust and bake for 1 hour, or until the cheesecake no longer jiggles.
• While the cheesecake is cooking, prepare the stove-top pecan pie filling.
• In a bowl combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt, stir together and pour into a medium saucepan on low heat.
• Pour in the egg yolks, maple syrup, and warm cream and whisk until smooth.
• Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens like a pudding, 5-10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Stir in the cold butter and the final teaspoon of bourbon and whisk until fully emulsified. The pudding-like mixture should be around room temperature.
• Fold in the roasted, chopped pecans and then pour the mixture over the cooked cheesecake and spread it out as an even layer.
• If you like, sprinkle with extra chopped pecans or garnish with whole pecans.
• Let the cheesecake chill in the refrigerator until completely set.
• Slice and serve cold or at room temperature.
• Enjoy!