Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic pecan pie and creamy cheesecake, then these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a dream come true. Combining the rich, buttery flavors of pecan pie with the smooth, tangy texture of cheesecake, these bars are the ultimate dessert mashup. They’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you’re in the mood for something indulgent. Plus, they’re easy to make and serve, making them a great choice for potlucks or family gatherings.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Bake the Crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fully combined and creamy.
2. Layer the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and slightly golden around the edges. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping

1. Mix the Topping: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
2. Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
3. Top the Cheesecake Layer: Once the cheesecake layer is completely cool, pour the pecan pie mixture over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the pecan topping is set and bubbling around the edges.
2. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to fully set.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cut and Serve: Once the bars are fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the baking dish. Cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
2. Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

• Coffee or Tea: The rich, sweet flavors of the Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Ice Cream: Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Success

Achieving the Perfect Crust

• Keep Butter Cold: Make sure the butter is cold when mixing it into the crust ingredients. This helps create a flaky, shortbread-like texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the crust as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t get too dark, as it will bake again with the cheesecake layer.

Making the Cheesecake Layer Extra Creamy

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Beat the cheesecake filling until just combined to prevent too much air from getting into the mixture, which can cause cracks.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the pecan pie topping for a chocolatey twist.

Maple Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Use Maple Syrup: Substitute maple syrup for the corn syrup in the pecan pie topping for a delicious maple flavor.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars with Bourbon

• Add Bourbon: Stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon into the pecan pie topping for a boozy kick.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of two classic desserts, offering the best of both worlds in each bite. With a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and a rich pecan topping, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your dessert repertoire.

FAQs

Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?

Yes, Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are great for making ahead. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I Freeze Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Do I Have to Use Corn Syrup?

Corn syrup helps to achieve the gooey texture of the pecan pie topping, but you can substitute with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile.

What’s the Best Way to Cut the Bars Cleanly?

For clean cuts, refrigerate the bars until fully set and use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the best results.

Can I Use a Different Nut Instead of Pecans?

While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different twist.

Yield: 16 Bars

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Print

If you're a fan of classic pecan pie and creamy cheesecake, then these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a dream come true. Combining the rich, buttery flavors of pecan pie with the smooth, tangy texture of cheesecake, these bars are the ultimate dessert mashup. They’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you’re in the mood for something indulgent. Plus, they’re easy to make and serve, making them a great choice for potlucks or family gatherings.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Cooling Time 2 hours

Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• For the Cheesecake Layer:
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Pecan Pie Topping:
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
   In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
   Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
   
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
   
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
   Bake the cheesecake layer for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
   
4. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping:
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
   
5. Assemble the Bars:
   Pour the pecan pie topping over the cooled cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly.
   Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
   
6. Serve:
   Once fully set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Crust: For a different flavor, you can use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers.

Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.

Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the topping can enhance their flavor. Simply bake them in a single layer on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Storing: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions: These bars are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.