The Perfect Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Decadent desserts often spark joy, and these luscious pecan pie cheesecake bars blend two classic favorites into one irresistible treat.

Rich, creamy cheesecake meets the warm, caramel-like essence of pecan pie in a single bite.

Layers of buttery graham cracker crust provide the perfect foundation for this indulgent creation.

Crunchy pecans add a delightful texture that complements the smooth, velvety cheesecake filling.

Each bar promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with every single bite.

Southern baking traditions shine through in this delectable dessert that’s sure to become a staple at your gatherings.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: Nutty & Creamy

• Elevate Dessert Experience: Combine two beloved classics, pecan pie and cheesecake, into one irresistible treat that brings excitement to any gathering.
• Simplify Baking Process: Straightforward recipe with clear steps, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to create a stunning dessert without complex techniques.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Portable bar format makes these slices easy to serve and share, ideal for potlucks, holiday parties, and family celebrations where everyone craves a delicious sweet bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Balance: Creamy cheesecake layer provides smooth richness, while the crunchy pecan topping adds delightful contrast and nutty depth that keeps people coming back for more.

Ingredients For Pecan Pie Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• Butter (Melted): Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Cream Cheese (Softened): The creamy, smooth base that gives the bars their signature cheesecake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness to the cheesecake filling.
• Eggs: Help bind and set the cheesecake layer, creating a smooth and stable texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup, Butter, Vanilla Extract, Salt: Create a rich, caramel-like sauce that forms the classic pecan pie flavor.
• Pecans (Chopped): Provide a nutty crunch and authentic pecan pie taste to the topping.

Bar Style: How To Make Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Foundation

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it completely with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Press this delightful mixture firmly and evenly across the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation for your bars.

Pop the crust into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Splash in vanilla extract and combine until the mixture looks luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Base

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust.

Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The center should look just set but still slightly jiggly – this ensures a perfectly creamy texture.

Step 5: Craft the Luscious Pecan Topping

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a rich, thick sauce (about 3-4 minutes).

Fold in chopped pecans, creating a glossy, nutty topping.

Step 6: Finish and Chill

Drizzle the pecan mixture evenly across the cheesecake layer.

Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow everything to set perfectly.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Remove from the refrigerator, lift out using the parchment paper, and slice into beautiful bars.

Serve chilled and watch everyone swoon over your incredible dessert.

Tips For The Creamiest Bar

• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid, compact base that holds together perfectly when cutting bars.
• Beat cream cheese and eggs at room temperature and mix gently to prevent air bubbles, ensuring a smooth, crack-free cheesecake layer.
• Stir brown sugar mixture constantly while cooking to achieve the right thickness without burning, creating a glossy, even caramel-like topping.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to release their natural oils and intensify the nutty, rich flavor of the bars.

Creative Combos: Change Up Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Nutty Cheesecake Bars: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based option.
• Maple Walnut Variation: Substitute pecans with walnuts and use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a rich, earthy flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Bars: Use almond flour for the crust, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate cream cheese with full-fat ingredients to create a keto-compatible dessert.

Cheesecake Bar Party Time

• Cozy Dessert Companion: Pair these luscious bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy, indulgent experience that melts in your mouth.
• Beverage Bliss: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweet richness of the pecan pie cheesecake bars.
• Elegant Presentation: Dust the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with extra caramel sauce to elevate the visual appeal and add a gourmet touch.
• Holiday Highlight: These bars make a perfect addition to thanksgiving or holiday dessert spreads, offering a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie.

Storing Bars – Keep ‘Em Perfect

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep bars flat to maintain the pecan topping's texture and prevent crumbling.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating, which can make the crust soggy.
• Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese layer and enhance flavor.

FAQs

• How do I know when the cheesecake layer is properly baked?

Look for a slightly jiggly center that’s just set. The edges should be firm, and the top should look matte, not wet or glossy. A gentle shake of the pan will show a slight wobble in the middle.

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

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes. Just chop them to a similar size as pecans to ensure even distribution and consistent texture in the topping.

• Why do I need to cook the pecan topping before adding it to the cheesecake?

Cooking the topping helps caramelize the sugars, intensifies the flavor, and creates a thicker, more stable sauce that won’t make the bars soggy. It also helps the pecans become more flavorful and glossy.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Sinful pecan pie cheesecake bars blend Southern comfort with creamy indulgence, creating a dessert that whispers sweet temptation. Rich layers of graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake, and caramelized pecans promise pure bliss when you crave a luxurious treat.

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Ingredients

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Pecan Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (450 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream

Crust Ingredients:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and position a parchment paper inside a 9×9-inch baking pan for easy removal.
2. Create a crisp foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then firmly compress the mixture across the pan’s base.
3. Toast the crust for 8-10 minutes until golden, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
4. Whip cream cheese and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating eggs one at a time and infusing vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Gently cascade the creamy cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, baking for 20-25 minutes until the center achieves a delicate, slightly jiggly consistency.
6. Simultaneously craft the luxurious pecan topping by simmering brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy caramel (approximately 3-4 minutes).
7. Fold chopped pecans into the warm caramel sauce, ensuring each nut is generously coated.
8. Drizzle the pecan caramel evenly across the baked cheesecake layer, creating a decadent top coating.
9. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours to set and develop robust flavors before slicing into elegant bars.

Notes

• Chill the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer that blends perfectly.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts to create clean, precise bar edges without crumbling.
• For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to maintain the same delicious texture.
• Control the sweetness by reducing brown sugar in the pecan topping or using a sugar substitute for a lighter dessert option.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg