Description
Indulgent pecan pie cheesecake bars blend Southern charm with creamy richness, creating a dessert that marries classic pie flavors and smooth cheesecake texture. Crumbly graham crust, silky filling, and caramelized pecan topping make this treat irresistible for sweet-seeking souls.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups (about 18 graham crackers) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare a 13×9 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- Pulse graham crackers and sugar in a food processor until finely ground, then incorporate melted butter to create a cohesive crust mixture.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a compact base.
- Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring an even layer.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, and salt, heating over medium temperature until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Continue boiling for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Remove from heat and fold in vanilla extract and pecans, allowing the mixture to cool slightly and thicken.
- Carefully pour the pecan pie layer over the cheesecake, using a spoon to distribute evenly.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the assembled dessert for 35 minutes until the center is set.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate, covered, for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal texture and flavor.
- Cut into bars and serve chilled for a decadent dessert experience.
Notes
- Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won’t crumble when cutting bars.
- Beat cream cheese mixture at room temperature and avoid overmixing to minimize surface cracks during baking.
- Gently fold pecans into caramel layer and use a spoon to ensure even spread across cheesecake surface for balanced flavor in every bite.
- These bars can be prepared 2-3 days in advance, making them perfect for gatherings and reducing day-of preparation stress.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 104 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg