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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Layering and Baking: Drizzle pecan mixture across cheesecake layer, ensuring partial coverage, then bake for 35 minutes to meld flavors and textures.
- 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.
- 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