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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Toast the crust briefly in the oven until golden and fragrant, creating a crisp base for the decadent layers.
- Whip cream cheese until silky, gradually incorporating sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to create a luxuriously smooth cheesecake filling.
- Gently spread the creamy mixture evenly across the pre-baked graham cracker crust, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Prepare a rich caramel-like topping by melting butter with brown sugar and heavy cream in a saucepan, stirring until glossy and well-combined.
- Fold toasted pecans into the warm caramel sauce, allowing them to become thoroughly coated and infused with deep, nutty flavors.
- Cascade the pecan caramel mixture over the cream cheese layer, creating an enticing marbled effect.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the cheesecake sets with a gentle wobble and the edges turn golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to achieve the perfect slicing consistency.
- 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