Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Sweet Fusion Delight

Creamy cheesecake meets classic southern pecan pie in these irresistible bars that promise pure dessert magic.

Sweet layers of silky cream cheese blend perfectly with caramelized pecans and a buttery graham cracker crust.

Nutty aromas will drift through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Decadent yet surprisingly simple, these bars combine two beloved desserts into one spectacular treat.

Crumbly graham base provides a delightful crunch against smooth cheesecake filling.

Rich caramel notes from toasted pecans add depth and complexity to each bite.

You’ll fall in love with this ultimate dessert mashup that delivers comfort and indulgence in every delectable square.

These bars are your ticket to dessert bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Are Loved

• Indulge Effortlessly: Combine two classic desserts into one mouthwatering treat that requires minimal kitchen skills and delivers maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: These bars are ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations, satisfying sweet tooths with their rich, decadent layers.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Assemble the dessert with simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all experience levels.
• Versatile Serving Style: Dress up the bars with optional toppings like whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or sea salt to customize and elevate the dessert experience.

Ingredients For Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Crackers: A sweet and crispy base that provides a classic foundation for the bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Butter: Helps create a firm and flavorful crust that holds its shape.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates a rich and creamy texture for the cheesecake layer.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mixture and balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help set the cheesecake layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cheesecake mixture.

• Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup: Create a classic sweet and sticky pecan pie filling.
• Heavy Cream, Butter, Salt: Enhance the richness and depth of flavor in the topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the pecan mixture.
• Pecans: Provide a nutty crunch and traditional pecan pie flavor to the bars.

How To Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 13×9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Craft the Crunchy Crust

Toss graham crackers and sugar into a food processor.

Pulse until you’ve got fine crumbs.

Drizzle in melted butter and pulse again until the mixture looks like wet sand.

Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

• Softened cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and clouds of fluffiness form.

Spread this dreamy layer evenly over the graham cracker crust.

Step 4: Create the Pecan Pie Topping

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Salt

Stir constantly and let the mixture bubble up for one minute.

• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans

Allow the mixture to cool slightly and become wonderfully fragrant.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Carefully spoon the pecan pie mixture over the cheesecake layer.

Use a gentle touch to prevent sinking.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes until golden and set.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

This waiting game helps the layers set perfectly.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment paper handles to lift the bars from the pan.

Slice into 16 delectable squares and get ready to indulge.

Tips For Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature for a silky-smooth cheesecake layer that blends perfectly.
• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, crisp base that holds the layers together.
• Gently spoon pecan mixture over cheesecake layer using a slow, careful motion to keep layers distinct.
• Refrigerate bars for minimum 4 hours to set layers completely, ensuring clean cuts and beautiful presentation.
• Sprinkle sea salt or drizzle melted chocolate to elevate flavor complexity and make bars look gourmet.

Flavor Twists For Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly base that maintains the original texture and taste.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu for a plant-based cheesecake bar experience.
• Maple Pecan Variation: Substitute corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon for a rich, sophisticated flavor profile that enhances the traditional pecan pie taste.
• Nut-Free Option: Remove pecans and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the crunch and texture of the original recipe.

Suggested Pairings For Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Dessert Companion Delights: A creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the rich, nutty layers of these cheesecake bars.
• Sweet Beverage Pairing: A warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk balances the dessert's sweetness and cuts through its decadent texture.
• Elegant Presentation Trick: Dust the bars with powdered sugar or cocoa powder just before serving to create a stunning visual and add a delicate extra flavor dimension.
• Festive Garnish Option: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top to highlight the pie's signature nut and provide a delightful crunchy contrast to the creamy cheesecake base.

Storage Advice For Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep bars at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Consume quickly or refrigerate immediately.
• Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent separation of cheesecake layers.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the pecan mixture from sinking into the cheesecake layer?

Gently spoon the pecan mixture over the cheesecake layer and avoid stirring to keep the layers distinct.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers or graham cracker alternatives for the crust to make the recipe gluten-free.

• Can I freeze these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Creamy pecan pie cheesecake bars blend Southern comfort with rich, indulgent flavors that dance across your palate. Layers of buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake, and caramelized pecans promise a dessert experience you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Crust:

• 2.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 0.5 cup light corn syrup
• 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
• 0.25 cup (0.5 stick) unsalted butter
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and position a rack in the center. Armor a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for effortless extraction.
2. Transform graham crackers and sugar into fine crumbs using a food processor. Incorporate melted butter and pulse until uniform. Compress the mixture firmly into the baking dish’s base, creating a solid foundation.
3. Whip cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla with an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes until silky and aerated. Distribute the creamy mixture evenly across the graham cracker base.
4. Construct the pecan sauce by merging brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Maintain constant stirring until boiling, then simmer for one minute. Eliminate from heat and fold in vanilla and chopped pecans, allowing slight cooling.
5. Delicately cascade the pecan mixture atop the cheesecake layer, preventing submersion. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.
6. Extract from oven and permit complete cooling at room temperature. Seal with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to solidify layers.
7. Leverage parchment paper to elevate the entire dessert, then slice into 16 uniform squares.
8. Enhance serving with optional garnishes: dollop whipped cream, drizzle chocolate, or sprinkle sea salt for sophisticated flavor complexity.
9. Ensure ingredients are room temperature to guarantee a luxuriously smooth cheesecake texture.

Notes

• Opt for room temperature ingredients to achieve a silky-smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
• Prevent pecan mixture from sinking by gently spooning it over the cheesecake base, using a light touch.
• Chill bars completely before slicing to ensure clean, picture-perfect cuts and set layers.
• Customize the dessert by adding a sprinkle of sea salt, drizzle of chocolate, or dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 341 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 104 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg