Irresistibly Creamy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Creamy cheesecake meets classic pecan pie in this decadent pecan pie cheesecake bars recipe that promises pure dessert bliss.

Rich cream cheese layers mingle with a buttery graham cracker crust and create a silky smooth base.

Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty warmth to every single bite.

The golden caramel-like topping brings a luxurious sweetness that melts in your mouth.

Each bar combines the best elements of two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat.

These bars deliver a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will wow everyone at the table.

Prepare to fall in love with this show-stopping dessert that turns an ordinary gathering into a memorable celebration.

Why Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Are an All-Time Favorite

• Combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet crunch of pecan pie creates an irresistible dessert that feels like two treats in one.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and special occasions, these bars will have everyone asking for the recipe and coming back for seconds.
• Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced home cooks looking for a show-stopping dessert.
• These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them an ideal dessert for busy hosts who want to impress without last-minute stress.

Ingredients for Layered Cheesecake Bars

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

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy, and tangy base for the cheesecake filling.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds sweetness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake layer set properly.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Salt: Helps to balance and intensify the other flavors in the cheesecake layer.

• Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup: Create a rich, sticky caramel-like sauce for the pecan topping.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy topping.
• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth texture to the pecan sauce.
• Salt: Enhances the depth of flavor in the topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet note to the pecan topping.
• Pecans: Bring a nutty crunch and classic flavor to the dessert bars.

Tools for Baking Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Food Processor: Essential for quickly mixing graham cracker crust and creating smooth, even texture.
• 9×9 Inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for creating layered bars with even distribution.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing cheesecake and pecan layers.
• Small Pot: Used for making rich, bubbling pecan topping.
• Wire Rack: Helps bars cool evenly after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer: Helps blend cheesecake ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cutting bars into clean, neat squares.

How to Make Cheesecake Bars Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and give it a quick spray of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

Grab your food processor and combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar.

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

Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish.

Slide into the oven and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla
• Salt

Mix these ingredients for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Pour the creamy mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.

Return to the oven and bake 20-30 minutes until the center is just set with a slight wobble.

Step 4: Craft the Decadent Pecan Topping

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

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Cook for an additional minute, then fold in the pecans.

Step 5: Finish with Pecan Magic

Pour the pecan mixture over the cheesecake layer, making sure to spread it evenly.

Bake for 40 minutes until the top turns golden and starts bubbling.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set perfectly.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Remove the bars from the dish using the parchment paper.

Slice into neat squares.

Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful dessert experience.

Cheesecake Bar Tips for Creamy Layers

• Use a food processor to blend graham cracker crumbs for an even, crisp base that holds together beautifully without crumbling.
• Beat cream cheese mixture on medium speed for exactly 5 minutes to achieve ultra-creamy, lump-free texture that's silky smooth.
• Avoid overbaking cheesecake layer by looking for a slight jiggle in the center, which ensures a perfectly creamy consistency every time.
• Stir caramel mixture constantly while boiling to prevent burning and create a rich, golden sauce that coats pecans evenly.

Variations for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Nutty Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for the entire recipe.
• Maple Pecan Cheesecake Alternative: Swap corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a rich, natural sweetness. Add a touch of cinnamon to enhance the maple flavor.
• Vegan Cheesecake Option: Use cashew cream cheese, coconut cream, and flax eggs as dairy-free replacements. Select plant-based butter and coconut sugar for a completely vegan version.
• Low-Carb Nutty Cheesecake Squares: Substitute graham crackers with crushed pecans and almond flour. Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and use full-fat cream cheese for a keto-friendly dessert.

Serving Up Cheesecake Bars for Dessert

• Fancy Dessert Plating: Arrange bars on elegant white plates with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a small mint leaf for sophistication.
• Sweet Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the rich pecan pie cheesecake flavors.
• Coffee Bar Celebration: Present with a warm espresso or cappuccino to complement the sweet, nutty dessert and create a delightful after-dinner experience.
• Seasonal Presentation: Garnish with caramel drizzle and toasted pecans during autumn months to highlight the warm, comforting essence of this decadent treat.

Storing Cheesecake Bars for Freshness

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Individually wrap bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. Check temperature to avoid overheating, which can make the texture rubbery.
• Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

FAQs

• What makes the crust different from traditional pie crusts?

The graham cracker crust provides a crunchier and more buttery base compared to traditional pie crusts, creating a richer foundation for the cheesecake and pecan layers.

• Can I use alternative nuts in the pecan topping?

While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and taste profile, though the flavor will slightly change.

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

Look for a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. The edges should be set, and the top should look smooth and not wet. Overbaking can cause cracking.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy pecan pie cheesecake bars blend Southern dessert traditions into one irresistible treat. Luscious layers of graham cracker crust, silky cheesecake, and caramelized pecan topping promise delightful indulgence you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

• 2 cups (280 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces (454 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) light corn syrup (or dark)
• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (226 g) chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and lightly coating with cooking spray.
2. Create the graham cracker crust by combining graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a food processor. Incorporate melted butter and pulse until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes until set.
3. Craft the cheesecake layer by blending cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt until silky smooth, approximately 5 minutes. Carefully pour the mixture over the pre-baked crust, then return to the oven and bake 20-30 minutes until the center is just set with a subtle wobble.
4. Develop the pecan topping by combining brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, salt, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously. Simmer for an additional minute, then fold in pecans until evenly distributed.
5. Distribute the pecan mixture evenly across the cheesecake layer, ensuring complete coverage. Bake for 40 minutes until the topping turns golden and begins to bubble.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to set thoroughly.
7. Once chilled, lift the dessert out using the parchment paper, slice into neat squares, and serve either chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Crust by patting graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into pan, ensuring a compact base that resists moisture from cheesecake layer.
• Achieve Silky Cheesecake Texture by using room temperature cream cheese and mixing at low speed to avoid incorporating excess air that can cause cracking.
• Control Pecan Topping Consistency by watching carefully during boiling, stirring constantly to prevent burning and create a smooth, glossy caramel-like layer.
• Customize for Dietary Needs by substituting gluten-free graham crackers, using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, or replacing corn syrup with maple syrup for cleaner ingredients.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg