Preheat & Prep the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C).
• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Pour the mixture into a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom and about halfway up the sides.
• Transfer the crust to the refrigerator and chill while preparing the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, add the room temperature cream cheese, sugar, and milk. Beat using a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and fully incorporated.
• Add sour cream, flour, 2 teaspoons of bourbon, and the eggs. Continue mixing gently until smooth and creamy—do not overmix to avoid incorporating excess air.
• Pour the filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake the Cheesecake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. The cheesecake should be set but may still have a slight jiggle in the center.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly as you prepare the pecan topping.

Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping

• In a bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
• Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan over low heat.
• Add the egg yolks, maple syrup, and warm cream. Whisk continuously until smooth.
• Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, for 5–10 minutes or until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
• Remove from the heat. Add the cold butter and remaining 1 teaspoon of bourbon. Whisk until smooth and emulsified.
• Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Cheesecake

• Fold in the chopped roasted pecans into the cooled pie topping.
• Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the cooled cheesecake. Spread it evenly into a thick, glossy layer.
• Garnish with whole roasted pecans arranged decoratively on top.

Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the cheesecake until completely chilled and set, preferably overnight.
• Slice and serve cold or allow to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.