Dreamy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Decadent layers of creamy cheesecake mingle with rich pecan pie flavors in these irresistible pecan pie cheesecake bars.

Southern bakers have long celebrated this luxurious dessert that combines two classic treats into one spectacular bite.

Silky cream cheese blends seamlessly with caramelized pecans, creating a dessert that speaks to comfort and indulgence.

Each bar promises a perfect balance of smooth, tangy cheesecake and sweet, nutty pecan pie filling.

The golden crust provides a delightful crunch that complements the velvety texture of the filling.

Delicate yet bold, these bars will steal the spotlight at any gathering.

One taste promises to transport you to dessert paradise.

What You’ll Need for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Crackers: Provides a classic, sweet foundation that adds delightful texture and traditional cookie-like crunch.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together for a perfect crisp base.
• Unsalted Butter: Transforms dry crumbs into a cohesive, golden crust with rich, smooth binding properties.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers luxurious, velvety smoothness and tangy richness to the cheesecake layer.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the cream cheese's tanginess and creates a perfectly sweetened filling.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure, creaminess, and help bind the cheesecake mixture for a silky texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Infuses warm, aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Brown Sugar: Contributes deep caramel notes and creates a luscious, sticky pie-like layer.
• Light Corn Syrup: Ensures a glossy, smooth consistency and prevents crystallization.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a luxurious, velvety pecan pie layer.
• Unsalted Butter: Introduces a golden, smooth richness to the topping.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the complex flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with its warm, comforting essence.
• Pecans: Brings nutty crunch, earthy depth, and signature pecan pie texture.

Tools for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• 13×9 inch baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect bar size and shape.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking of the bars.
• Food processor: Crucial for making fine graham cracker crumbs and mixing the crust.
• Electric mixer with whisk attachment: Key for creating a smooth, fluffy cheesecake layer.
• Medium saucepan: Necessary for preparing the pecan pie topping.
• Large mixing bowl: Helps mix the cheesecake ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cleanly slicing the bars after chilling.

Step-by-Step Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Crust Foundation

Crush graham crackers into fine powder and blend with sweet crystals. Mix in melted butter until the texture resembles damp sand. Press firmly into baking dish, creating a solid base that will hold the luscious layers.

• Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, combining with sugary sweetness and fragrant vanilla. Blend carefully to ensure no lumps remain, creating a cloud-like mixture that will serve as the dreamy middle section.

• Nutty Caramel Topping

Melt brown sugar with rich corn syrup and velvety cream over gentle heat. Stir constantly until the mixture bubbles and transforms into a golden liquid. Fold in crunchy pecan pieces and a splash of vanilla for depth of flavor.

• Layering Magic

Gently cascade the caramel pecan mixture over the cream cheese base, allowing it to spread naturally without disrupting the underlying layers. The goal is a beautiful marbled effect that hints at the deliciousness within.

• Baking and Chilling

Slide the creation into a warm oven, letting the heat marry the layers into a harmonious dessert. After baking, allow complete cooling before tucking into the refrigerator. Patience rewards you with a perfectly set, incredibly decadent treat.

• Serving Delight

Slice into elegant squares, revealing the stunning layers. Each bite promises a symphony of textures – crisp crust, smooth cheese, and rich caramel-kissed pecans.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Tips & Tweaks

• Gently toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Prepare these bars up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a stress-free dessert that tastes even better after the flavors meld together.
• Replace pecans with walnuts or add a chocolate drizzle on top for a decadent twist. Experiment with different nut combinations to create your signature version of these irresistible bars.
• Warm the bars slightly before serving and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience and impress your guests with minimal effort.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer, and let the bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cutting for clean, beautiful slices that showcase the beautiful layers.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Elegant Dessert Plating: Arrange bars on a white ceramic plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a small mint leaf for a sophisticated presentation.
• Holiday Party Centerpiece: Stack bars in a pyramid on a rustic wooden board, garnished with whole pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a stunning dessert display.
• Coffee Companion Pairing: Serve bars alongside a warm espresso or rich vanilla latte to complement the sweet, nutty flavors and enhance the overall dessert experience.
• Brunch Showstopper: Include these bars on a weekend brunch buffet, cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sampling and sharing with friends and family.

Storing Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Right

• Refrigeration Strategies: Store bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for optimal freshness, lasting up to 5 days. Keep bars separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert 1-2 days before serving, allowing flavors to develop and develop a more rich, cohesive taste profile. Chilling helps the layers set perfectly and enhances overall dessert quality.
• Freezing Tactics: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars can maintain excellent quality for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results and minimal texture changes.
• Serving Temperature Tips: Remove bars from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. This small waiting period allows the cheesecake layer to reach a creamy, smooth consistency that melts beautifully on the palate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes (plus chilling time)

Calories: 408 kcal

Servings: 13

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• Total Time: 55 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sumptuous pecan pie cheesecake bars combine classic Southern dessert elements into an irresistible sweet treat. Crisp graham cracker crust, rich cream cheese filling, and caramelized pecan topping create a delightful fusion you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

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• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) graham cracker crumbs (about 18 full-size graham crackers)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Crust Formation: Pulse graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter in food processor until uniformly combined, then press mixture firmly into baking dish bottom to create a compact base.
3. Cheesecake Layer Construction: Blend cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla using electric mixer until achieving a smooth, fluffy consistency, then pour evenly over graham cracker crust.
4. Pecan Topping Development: Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, and salt in saucepan, bringing to vigorous boil while stirring constantly; after one minute, remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
5. Layering and Baking: Drizzle pecan mixture across cheesecake layer, ensuring partial coverage, then bake for 35 minutes to meld flavors and textures.
6. Cooling and Setting: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to achieve perfect consistency and clean slice definition.
7. Serving Presentation: Cut into refined bars and serve chilled, showcasing the decadent layers of this gourmet dessert.

Notes

• Crust Consistency Check: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, compact base that prevents crumbling when cutting bars.
• Temperature Control: Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer without overmixing.
• Pecan Topping Technique: Boil caramel mixture exactly one minute to achieve perfect thickness without burning or becoming too runny.
• Chilling Crucial: Refrigerate bars minimum 4 hours to allow layers to set completely and develop rich, harmonious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 408
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg