The Ultimate Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Everyone Will Love

Creamy cheesecake meets classic pecan pie in a decadent dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of rich, velvety filling nestle between a buttery graham cracker crust and crunchy caramelized pecans.

Sweet notes of maple and vanilla dance across your palate with each luxurious bite.

Southern bakers have perfected this crowd-pleasing treat that combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible bar.

Silky smooth textures contrast beautifully with nutty, candied pecan toppings.

Elegant yet approachable, these bars bring serious wow factor to any gathering.

Prepare to fall in love with every single mouthwatering morsel.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my crust from becoming soggy?

Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, and pre-bake it for 10 minutes before adding the cheesecake layer. This creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp and prevents it from absorbing too much moisture.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. Just chop them to a similar size and follow the same topping preparation method to maintain the recipe’s texture and flavor profile.

• What's the best way to get clean, neat bar slices?

Use a sharp knife and clean it with hot water between each cut. Chilling the bars completely helps them set firmly, making it easier to slice them into precise, clean squares.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Full of Rich Flavor

• Craft Decadent Dessert: Combine the richness of pecan pie with creamy cheesecake for a mind-blowing treat that elevates traditional dessert expectations.
• Impress Without Stress: This recipe requires basic baking skills and minimal kitchen equipment, making it perfect for home bakers wanting to create a showstopping dessert without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Blend sweet and nutty flavors that appeal to all ages, making these bars ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend celebrations where everyone craves a delicious shared experience.
• Layer of Luxurious Texture: Enjoy a delightful contrast between the buttery crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and crunchy pecan topping that creates a multi-dimensional taste adventure in every single bite.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure for the base layer.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, rich sweetness to the crust.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.

• Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, creamy base of the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness to the cheesecake filling.
• Eggs: Help bind and set the cheesecake layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a slight tangy note.

• Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup, Butter, Vanilla, Salt: Create a rich, caramel-like sauce for the topping.
• Pecans: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dessert.

How to Prepare Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Set up your oven at 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your delicious creation.

Step 2: Build the Buttery Crust

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Salt

Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation.

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, blend cream cheese and granulated sugar until silky smooth.

• Eggs (one at a time)
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream

Mix until everything is perfectly combined.

Pour this luscious mixture over the cooled crust and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is just set.

Step 4: Create the Gooey Pecan Topping

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Melted butter
• Vanilla
• Salt

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and sugar dissolves.

Remove from heat and gently fold in chopped pecans.

Step 5: Layer and Finish the Bars

Once the cheesecake layer is set, carefully pour the pecan topping over the surface.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, watching for a bubbly, golden topping.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Slice and serve these irresistible bars that combine the creaminess of cheesecake with the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie.

Tips for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid, compact base that holds together when cutting bars.
• Beat cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth, scraping down bowl sides to eliminate any lumps for a silky texture.
• Watch the pecan topping carefully while baking to ensure it becomes bubbly but doesn't burn, which can happen quickly due to sugar content.
• Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours to help them set completely, making slicing cleaner and preventing crumbly edges.
• Allow ingredients like cream cheese and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother, more consistent cheesecake batter.

Variation Ideas for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Nutty Cheesecake Bars: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu.
• Low-Carb Keto Pecan Bars: Use almond flour for crust, substitute sugar with erythritol or stevia, and replace corn syrup with sugar-free maple syrup alternative.
• Dairy-Free Pecan Cheesecake Bars: Use coconut cream cheese, coconut oil, and dairy-free milk instead of traditional dairy ingredients for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Suggestions for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Sweet Holiday Gathering: Serve these bars during family Christmas celebrations or Thanksgiving dessert spreads with close friends and relatives.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust bars with powdered sugar, add a small dollop of whipped cream, and garnish with a whole pecan on top for a sophisticated presentation.
• Coffee Companion: Pair these rich bars with a hot espresso, dark roast coffee, or creamy cappuccino to balance the sweet pecan flavor and enhance the dessert experience.
• Seasonal Gift Option: Package cooled bars in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon as a delightful homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or holiday hosts.

Storage Tips for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Store the pecan pie cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain texture. Alternatively, let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and consistency.
• Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the creamy texture of the cheesecake layer.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pecan pie cheesecake bars blend Southern dessert traditions into one irresistible treat. Rich layers of creamy cheesecake and caramelized pecans create a luxurious dessert you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113 grams)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Binding Ingredients:

• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Create the crust by combining flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt in a medium bowl. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a compact base. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Incorporate eggs individually, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream, ensuring a uniform consistency throughout the mixture.
4. Gently pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is set and slightly firm to the touch, with minimal wiggling when gently shaken.
5. Simultaneously, prepare the pecan topping by combining brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium temperature, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
6. Remove the topping from heat and fold in chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the caramel-like sauce.
7. After the cheesecake layer has set, carefully pour the pecan mixture over the surface, creating an even layer. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the topping becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure proper setting and easy slicing.

Notes

• Chill cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake base that blends seamlessly.
• Use parchment paper overhang for easy removal and clean slicing of bars without breaking the delicate cheesecake layer.
• Prevent overbaking by checking cheesecake at 25 minutes; it should have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to topping to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex, rich taste profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 146
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 27 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg