Name: Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Butter (1/2 cup, plus 12 tbsp for crust); Light Corn Syrup (1/2 cup); Brown Sugar (1 cup); Heavy Cream (1/2 cup); Vanilla (1 tsp, plus 1 tbsp); Pecans (2 cups); Cream Cheese (32 oz, softened); Sugar (1 cup and 1/2 cup for crust); Eggs (2) + Egg Yolks (2); Sour Cream (1/4 cup); Graham Crackers (2 packages); Flour (2 tsp)

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The aroma of freshly baked Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars wafts through the air, enveloping you in a warm, sweet hug. With the first bite, your taste buds are met with a luscious combination of creamy cheesecake, rich pecan pie filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust that crumbles delightfully. Each bar is like a mini celebration, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a cozy afternoon. I can still remember the first time I made these bars for Thanksgiving; the delighted faces of my family as they dove into dessert were priceless. It’s these moments, oh-so-sweet and rich in flavor, that turn any occasion into a cherished memory. So, gather your ingredients and let’s create a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are not just a treat; they’re destined to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just under 60 minutes, you can whip up this scrumptious dessert.
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy cheesecake combined with the pecan pie layer offers a taste explosion that’s smooth, nutty, and utterly delicious.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These bars look gorgeous on any dessert table, making them a real showstopper.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—thanksgiving, birthdays, or just a midweek treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can adjust ingredients to make them gluten-free with the right graham crackers or make a no-dairy version if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter (1/2 cup, plus 12 tbsp for crust): Provides richness and helps bind the crust together. You can use unsalted butter for more control over the sweetness.
Light Corn Syrup (1/2 cup): This sweetener adds moisture and a glossy finish to the pecan topping. Dark corn syrup works too, but it changes the flavor slightly.
Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds deep, caramel notes to the pecan filling. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a lighter option.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): This gives a richness to the pecan sauce. If you’re looking for dairy-free, use coconut cream.
Vanilla (1 tsp, plus 1 tbsp): Enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully. Always choose pure vanilla for the best taste.
Pecans (2 cups): The star of our topping! Toast them lightly for a richer flavor, and feel free to chop them for a different texture.
Cream Cheese (32 oz, softened): This is crucial for the cheesecake layer, giving it that classic creaminess. Always ensure it’s at room temperature for smooth blending.
Sugar (1 cup and 1/2 cup for crust): Sweetens the cream cheese layer and balances the flavors.
Eggs (2) + Egg Yolks (2): These provide structure and richness. For vegan options, flax eggs can be used as a substitute.
Sour Cream (1/4 cup): Adds tanginess and creaminess to the cheesecake. Plain Greek yogurt could work too.
Graham Crackers (2 packages): They create the perfect crust that’s simple to make. Gluten-free varieties are available too for an accommodating choice.
Flour (2 tsp): Helps bind the crust together. You can use almond flour for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan generously with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later. This step is crucial as it will help the cheesecake bars come out beautifully without sticking to the sides.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In your trusty food processor, toss in the graham cracker crumbs, flour, and sugar along with the melted butter. Pulse until thoroughly mixed into a crumbly texture that resembles wet sand. It’s a simple yet satisfying process that sets the foundation for the bars!

Press and Bake Crust: Transfer this crumb mixture into your prepared pan. Using your fingers or the bottom of a glass, firmly press it down evenly across the bottom, creating a compact crust. Bake it for approximately 10 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden and fragrant, then remove it from the oven and let it cool.

Beat Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, making sure to mix thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla and sour cream, blending until completely smooth. This part is where the magic happens—your cheesecake layer comes to life!

Pour and Spread: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle—it will firm up as it cools.

Make the Pecan Topping: While your cheesecake is baking, create an irresistible pecan topping! In a saucepan, combine the butter, light corn syrup, and brown sugar. Stir continuously over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Once boiling, add in the heavy cream, mixing diligently for about 4 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely.

Add Pecans: After removing it from the heat, stir in the vanilla and the pecans, mixing it for roughly 5 minutes until well combined. This step builds that rich, nutty flavor we love in pecan pie!

Top and Cool: Once the cheesecake has baked and set, evenly pour the warm pecan topping over it. Let your bars cool completely in the pan—this is crucial because it helps the layers set beautifully before slicing.

Storing & Reheating

Once your delicious Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars have cooled, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, these bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy leftovers, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that just-baked taste. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly after freezing, but a quick pop in the microwave will refresh them nicely!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overbeating the cheesecake after adding the eggs; just mix until the ingredients are combined to prevent cracks.
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in your filling.
For perfect layers, let the cheesecake cool at room temperature before refrigerating, which helps the pecan topping meld beautifully with the cheesecake.
If your pecan topping is too runny, gently simmer it a bit longer to allow more moisture to evaporate.
Make these bars ahead of time! They taste even better after sitting in the fridge for a day as the flavors get a chance to meld.

You’re just a few steps away from creating these delightful Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars that blend creamy cheesecake with the nutty goodness of pecan pie. The process is straightforward and utterly rewarding, turning simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert. Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or just a day that needs a little sweetness, these bars are sure to impress. So grab your apron, get your loved ones involved if you’d like, and enjoy a slice of heaven today!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, making them a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store them in the refrigerator, well-covered, until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of nut?

While pecans are traditional and bring that classic pecan pie flavor, you can definitely swap them out for walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just keep in mind that flavor profiles will vary slightly!

How do I fix a cheesecake that’s too soft?

If your cheesecake doesn’t set as expected, it might need a longer baking time. Make sure to check the doneness as you approach the end of the recommended baking time, looking for that slight jiggle in the center and a firm edge.

What’s the best way to serve these bars?

For a beautiful presentation, slice them into squares or rectangles and serve on a decorative platter. You can even add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate on each slice for an extra touch!