Dreamy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Indulgent Bliss in Every Bite

Sweet memories dance through my mind when I think about this decadent pecan pie cheesecake bars recipe that blends two classic desserts into one irresistible treat.

Creamy layers mingle with crunchy nuts in a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Bakers seeking a show-stopping crowd-pleaser will adore this innovative combination.

Nutty caramel notes weave through each rich, velvety bite of these bars.

Comfort and elegance merge seamlessly in this delightful dessert that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Prepare to experience a symphony of textures and flavors that will make you the hero of any gathering.

You won’t be able to resist cutting just one more slice of this heavenly creation.

Why Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Are A Holiday Hit Anytime

• Quick and Easy Dessert: Whip up these delectable bars in under an hour with minimal baking skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, nutty crunch of classic pecan pie in one irresistible treat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these bars in advance and store in the refrigerator, perfect for parties, potlucks, or impromptu dessert cravings.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Slice into small squares for elegant gatherings or cut larger pieces for a decadent family dessert that appeals to all ages.

Core Components Of Pecan Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Crackers: Classic base providing sweet, crunchy foundation for the bars.
• Butter: Helps bind and create rich, golden texture.
• Sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps crisp the crust.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that creates tangy, rich filling.
• Sugar: Balances cream cheese's tanginess and provides sweetness.
• Eggs: Crucial for setting and binding the cheesecake layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor enhancement.

• Pecans: Star ingredient providing nutty crunch and signature flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel-like sweetness characteristic of traditional pecan pie.
• Butter: Creates rich, smooth texture and enhances overall flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create silky, luxurious consistency in pie layer.
• Vanilla: Rounds out and deepens the layer's complex flavor profile.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Preparation Plan

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to a cozy 350°F.

This temperature will help create the perfect golden crust and creamy cheesecake texture.

Step 2: Create A Delicious Crust

Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs.

• Melted butter
• Sugar

Press this mixture firmly into a lined baking pan.

Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set its foundation.

Step 3: Whip Up The Cheesecake Layer

• Cream cheese
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Spread this creamy layer evenly over the pre-baked crust.

Step 4: Craft The Pecan Topping

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream

Stir the mixture until it becomes completely smooth.

Fold in the pecans, ensuring they’re well coated with the rich caramel-like sauce.

Step 5: Layer The Pecan Goodness

Pour the pecan mixture generously over the cheesecake layer, creating a beautiful nutty topping.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

The bars are ready when the center is set and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 7: Chill And Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for a few hours to help them set.

Slice and enjoy these decadent pecan pie cheesecake bars!

Pecan Cheesecake Bars – Tips For Slicing Neatly

• Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even graham cracker crumbs for a perfectly smooth crust base.
• Avoid overmixing the cream cheese and eggs to keep the cheesecake layer silky and crack-free during baking.
• Let cream cheese and eggs sit at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother, lump-free filling.
• Gently spread pecans evenly across the top layer to create a beautiful, consistent nutty topping.
• Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours to help them set firmly and enhance the flavor melding between layers.

How to Store and Warm Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Store bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months without losing quality or taste.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to maintain food safety.
• Warm chilled bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheesecake from becoming rubbery or losing its creamy texture.

Great Matches for Pecan Cheesecake Bars

• Sip Sweet Bourbon Cocktail: Craft a smooth bourbon cocktail with caramel notes that complement the rich pecan and cream cheese flavors, enhancing the dessert's nutty sweetness.
• Pair Classic Vanilla Latte: Brew a creamy vanilla latte whose smooth espresso and warm vanilla undertones perfectly balance the decadent cheesecake bars' sweetness and texture.
• Match Aged Tawny Port: Select a smooth, caramel-forward tawny port wine that echoes the dessert's nutty, buttery characteristics and provides a luxurious drinking experience.
• Serve Cinnamon Chai Tea: Steep a warm, spiced chai tea with hints of cinnamon and cardamom that cuts through the richness and adds a complementary aromatic layer to the dessert.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Sweet Customizations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safe consumption for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives made from cashews or coconut. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and plant-based butter for the pecan topping.
• Low-Carb Option: Switch graham crackers with crushed pecans or almond flour for the crust. Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia. Use full-fat cream cheese and reduce overall sugar content for a keto-friendly dessert.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Use a traditional graham cracker crust and keep the cheesecake layer classic for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

• Are graham crackers the only crust option?

You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies for similar texture and taste.

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese provides the best creamy texture and rich flavor. Low-fat versions might result in a less smooth and less indulgent cheesecake bar.

• How do I prevent the pecan topping from burning?

Keep an eye on the bars while baking, and if the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. The topping should be golden and not dark brown.

• What if my pecan topping separates or looks oily?

Ensure you’re stirring the butter, brown sugar, and cream consistently over medium heat. Consistent stirring helps create a smooth, unified caramel-like topping that coats the pecans evenly.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sinful pecan pie cheesecake bars blend Southern comfort with creamy indulgence. Rich layers of buttery crust, velvety cheesecake, and caramelized pecans promise a delectable dessert experience you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 ounces (453 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pecan Pie Layer:

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery foundation by pulverizing graham crackers and blending with melted butter and sugar, then firmly compress the mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish.
2. Toast the crust briefly in the oven until golden and fragrant, creating a crisp base for the decadent layers.
3. Whip cream cheese until silky, gradually incorporating sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to create a luxuriously smooth cheesecake filling.
4. Gently spread the creamy mixture evenly across the pre-baked graham cracker crust, ensuring a uniform layer.
5. Prepare a rich caramel-like topping by melting butter with brown sugar and heavy cream in a saucepan, stirring until glossy and well-combined.
6. Fold toasted pecans into the warm caramel sauce, allowing them to become thoroughly coated and infused with deep, nutty flavors.
7. Cascade the pecan caramel mixture over the cream cheese layer, creating an enticing marbled effect.
8. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheesecake sets with a gentle wobble and the edges turn golden brown.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to achieve the perfect slicing consistency.
10. Cut into precise squares, revealing the layers of graham cracker, creamy cheesecake, and pecan caramel.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia in both cheesecake and pecan layers to create a lower-calorie dessert.
• Enhance flavor complexity by toasting pecans beforehand, which releases deeper nutty notes and adds aromatic depth to the topping.
• Prevent cracking by using room temperature cream cheese and eggs, ensuring smooth and creamy cheesecake texture without surface fissures.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg