Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full sheet graham crackers)
• 6 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 (8-ounce) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (I recommend dark)
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, but recommended)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 & 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (I recommend dark)
• 6 tbsp heavy cream
• pinch of salt (less than 1/8 tsp)
• 1 tbsp light corn syrup
• optional: homemade brown sugar whipped cream (see Chef’s Note)