Shelly's Recipe

PRALINE CHEESECAKE

Category: Cheesecake

1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 45 wafers)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
16 whole vanilla wafers

FILLING:
3 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs, lightly beaten

TOPPING:
25 caramels
2 tbsp milk
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

In a small bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, sugar and butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 9 inch springform pan. Stand whole wafers around edge of pan, pressing lightly into crumbs; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust. Place pan on a baking sheet.

Bake at 325 for 55-60 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.

Place caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1 minute; stir until smooth. Remove sides of springform pan. Drizzle caramel mixture over cheesecake; sprinkle with pecans. Refrigerate leftovers.