Recipe: Cheesecake Pecan Pie (aka Cream Cheese Pecan Pie and Mystery Pecan Pie)

CHEESECAKE PECAN PIE

FOR THE CREAM CHEESE LAYER:
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
FOR THE NUT/CHOCOLATE LAYER:
1 1/4 cups pecans, chopped (or pecans and chocolate chips)
FOR THE TOPPING:
1 cup light corn syrup
3 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

TO PREPARE THE CREAM CHEESE LAYER:
Cream together cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg, salt, and vanilla. Spread over bottom of unbaked pie shell.

FOR THE NUT/CHOCOLATE LAYER:
Sprinkle chocolate chips (if using) then pecans evenly over cheese mixture.

TO PREPARE THE TOPPING:
Combine all topping ingredients; beat until smooth. Pour over pecan layer.

Bake 35 to 45 minutes at 375 degrees until golden brown.