Let pie shell, cream cheese, and eggs come to room temperature.
Beat first four ingredients until smooth. (If using a 10" pie plate, use an extra 8 oz. cream cheese, ¼ c. sugar, and one more egg-- see directions in blog post.)
Spread cream cheese mixture into unbaked pie shell.
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of cream cheese mixture.
Beat 3 eggs. Slowly add in caramel topping until well blended.
Pour egg/ caramel mixture gently on top of cream cheese/ pecans.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, then cover with foil.
Continue baking for 20-35 minutes more, or until the center is firm and not jiggly.
Store in the refrigerator.