The Perfect Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Fall Baking

Pecan pie cheesecake bars blend two beloved dessert classics into one irresistible treat.

Sweet, nutty flavors dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Rich, creamy cheesecake layers intertwine with a decadent caramel-like pecan topping that promises pure indulgence.

Crisp graham cracker crusts provide the perfect foundational texture for these heavenly bars.

Silky smooth fillings combine unexpected ingredients that elevate traditional dessert expectations.

Elegant yet approachable, these bars revolutionize ordinary gatherings into memorable culinary experiences.

Crowd-pleasing and simple to assemble, they represent comfort and creativity on a single plate.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: Rich, Sweet, and Nutty

• Decadent Dual-Layer Delight: This recipe combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the gooey sweetness of pecan pie, creating a mind-blowing dessert that satisfies multiple flavor cravings in one bite.
• Stress-Free Baking Experience: The simple step-by-step method makes this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, with easy-to-follow instructions and minimal complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Harmony: Expect a perfect balance of crunchy graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake layer, and sticky pecan topping that provides an irresistible mix of textures in every single bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or weekend dessert prep without last-minute stress.

What Goes Into Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Crackers: Classic base with a sweet, crumbly texture that adds structure to the crust.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps the crust hold its shape.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that creates the classic cheesecake texture.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds sweetness.
• Eggs: Helps set the cheesecake layer and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness.

• Brown Sugar: Offers rich, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
• Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth, glossy texture in the pecan layer.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky consistency.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps combine the ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness.
• Pecans: Adds nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the caramel notes and adds depth of flavor.

How to Prepare Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars with Layers

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 13×9 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

Toss graham crackers and sugar into a food processor. Pulse until you get fine, sandy crumbs.

• Graham crackers
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Pulse the butter into the crumb mixture until it looks like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish using your palm or a flat-bottomed cup. Set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

• Softened cream cheese
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Beat with an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes silky smooth and light and fluffy. Pour this dreamy cheesecake layer over the graham cracker crust.

Step 4: Craft the Gooey Pecan Topping

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Salt

• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans

Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 5: Layer the Pecan Goodness

Carefully spoon the pecan mixture over the cheesecake layer. Move slowly to prevent the topping from sinking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes until the edges look set and slightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Cut into bars and indulge in your magnificent creation! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Tips for Smooth, Even Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Crush Crackers Carefully: Use a food processor to create ultra-fine graham cracker crumbs for a smoother, more consistent crust base.
• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a silky, lump-free cheesecake layer.
• Control Pecan Pie Mixture: Pour the warm pecan mixture slowly and gently over the cheesecake layer to prevent sinking and maintain distinct layers.
• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and bars to set completely.
• Cut with Clean Precision: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean, neat bar edges.

Best Storage for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerate: Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm slightly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the creamy cheesecake texture and crisp pecan topping.

Pairings That Complement Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Boost Flavor with Bourbon: Pair these decadent bars with a smooth bourbon whiskey to enhance the nutty, caramel-like pecan pie notes and complement the rich, creamy cheesecake layer.
• Coffee Companion: Serve with a hot espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the sweetness and provide a robust contrast that highlights the dessert's complex flavors.
• Vanilla Ice Cream Match: Top the bars with a scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Cream Liqueur Delight: Enjoy alongside an Irish cream liqueur like Baileys, which adds a silky, sweet dimension that beautifully harmonizes with the pecan and cheesecake elements.

Different Takes on the Classic Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Maple Bourbon Pecan Bars: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the pecan layer for a rich, sophisticated flavor profile.
• Chocolate Drizzled Pecan Cheesecake Bars: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the cooled bars, creating an elegant chocolate-pecan combination that elevates the dessert.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Incorporate a layer of homemade salted caramel between the cheesecake and pecan layers, adding depth and complexity to the original recipe.
• Praline Crunch Bars: Sprinkle crushed praline pecans on top of the bars before baking, introducing a crunchy texture and nutty caramelized flavor to the dessert.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pecan pie cheesecake bars blend Southern charm with creamy indulgence, marrying classic dessert traditions into one irresistible treat. Rich layers of buttery graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese filling, and caramel-glazed pecans create a luxurious dessert perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

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Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
• 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 18 full-size graham crackers)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup unsalted butter

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350°F and positioning a parchment-lined baking dish for the upcoming dessert creation.
2. Transform graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor, incorporating sugar and melted butter until the mixture coheres perfectly.
3. Compress the cracker mixture firmly into the baking dish’s base, creating a solid, even foundation for the layered dessert.
4. Craft the creamy cheesecake layer by whipping cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla with an electric mixer until the texture becomes silky and aerated.
5. Gently cascade the cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker foundation, ensuring a smooth, even distribution.
6. Construct the decadent pecan pie topping by merging brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, and salt in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil while continuously stirring.
7. After precisely one minute of boiling, remove from heat and enhance the sauce with vanilla extract and freshly chopped pecans, allowing the mixture to cool slightly.
8. Carefully drizzle the pecan mixture across the cheesecake layer, taking care to prevent complete submersion.
9. Bake the assembled dessert for 35 minutes, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to set and develop optimal consistency.
11. Slice into elegant bars and serve chilled, revealing the luxurious layers of this indulgent dessert.

Notes

• Prep ahead for success by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature before starting, which helps create a smoother cheesecake texture.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most luxurious cheesecake layer that holds its shape perfectly.
• Carefully layer the pecan pie topping by spooning it slowly over the cheesecake to prevent mixing and maintain distinct layers.
• Chilling is crucial – allow at least 4 hours of refrigeration to set the bars completely and enhance their flavor profile.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing of the bars.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the topping to intensify their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg