Ingredients
1 cup crushed vanilla wafers (about 30 wafers)1/4 cup ground pecans2 tablespoons sugar5 tablespoons butter, meltedFILLING:3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar3 large eggs, lightly beaten2 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 tablespoon maple flavoring1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 cup chopped pecansTOPPING:1/4 cup honey1 tablespoon butter1 tablespoon water1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, pecans and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Refrigerate.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Add the flour, maple flavoring and vanilla; beat until blended. Stir in pecans. Pour into crust. Place pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.
Place in a large baking pan. Fill larger pan with hot water to a depth of 1 in. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until center is just set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove foil. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool for 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
For topping, combine the honey, butter and water in a small saucepan; cook and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add nuts; cook 2 minutes longer (mixture will be thin). Spoon over cheesecake. Carefully remove rim of pan before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.
