PRALINE PECAN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• For Nut Crust:
• Heat oven to 400°F. Double wrap a greased 9-inch springform pan in foil to prevent water from leaking into the crust.
• Place all the crust ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend thoroughly.
• Press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Bake 6 min. or until the crust is a light golden brown.
• Let cool completely before filling.
• For Cheesecake Filling:
• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Add enough hot water to baking pan to fill to 3/4-inch depth. Place it on the middle rack of the oven.
• In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese until light and creamy. Add the sugar and flour and keep mixing until smooth.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, until well combined but do not over mix.
• Add 1 Tbsp. maple syrup and the chopped pecans and mix everything with a spatula.
• Spread the mixture onto the prepared crust, smooth top using a spatula. Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake it for 1 hour and 10 min. or until the outside of the cake is set and the inside jiggles slightly.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature.
• Decorate the top with the pecan halves and brush it with the other Tbsp. of maple syrup.
• Place in the refrigerator and cool overnight.