Every holiday season, my kitchen turns into a dessert factory, and these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are always at the top of my baking list.
The first time I made them, I was trying to impress my family by combining their two favorite desserts—pecan pie and cheesecake.
Safe to say, they disappeared in minutes! Now, they’re my go-to treat for Thanksgiving, holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat for ourself, and I love how easy they are to make ahead. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, this is it!
What Are Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?
These bars are a hybrid dessert featuring layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, and a sweet pecan pie topping. They bring together two classic desserts in an easy-to-serve bar format, making them great for entertaining or gifting.
How To Make The Best Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a must-try for anyone who enjoys the combination of pie, cheesecake, and bars in one bite. The graham cracker crust gives a buttery crunch, the cheesecake layer is smooth and rich, and the pecan pie topping adds a caramelized, nutty finish that makes this dessert irresistible.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling & chilling)
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Yield: 12 bars
- Calories Per Serving: ~380
Ingredients
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For The Pecan Pie Topping:
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
Instructions
Step-by-step directions to guide you through making these bars, ensuring each layer turns out perfectly.
Step 1: Prepare The Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the baking dish’s bottom. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
Step 2: Make The Cheesecake Layer
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Evenly cover the chilled crust with the cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Bake The Cheesecake
- Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Let it cool at room temperature while preparing the pecan pie topping.
Step 4: Make The Pecan Pie Topping
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Stir continuously until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and pecans.
- Pour the pecan pie topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until completely set.
- Slice into bars and enjoy!
Video Tutorial:
Why Is Pecan Pie So Delicious?
Pecan pie is loved for its rich caramelized filling combined with crunchy pecans. The balance of sweetness and texture makes it irresistible, and when combined with cheesecake, it becomes even more indulgent. The buttery pecans and smooth cheesecake make every bite absolutely delightful.
Is Pecan Pie Healthy?
While pecans contain healthy fats, the dessert itself is high in sugar and calories. Moderation is key when enjoying this sweet treat. However, you can make small adjustments to the recipe, like using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of corn syrup.
Why Is My Pecan Pie So Hard?
If your pecan pie topping is too hard, it may be overcooked or have too much corn syrup or sugar. Keeping an eye on baking time and ensuring a good balance of butter and cream helps maintain the right texture. A softer, gooey filling is ideal!
Can You Freeze Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?
Yes! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for best results.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Personal Touch
Making cheesecake bars can be intimidating, but patience is key! Always let the bars chill completely before slicing to get clean, beautiful layers. If you’re short on time, place them in the freezer for a quicker set.
If you love making desserts ahead of time, these bars are perfect for meal prepping. They store well in the fridge and get even better after a day of chilling, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use A Different Crust?
Yes! Try an Oreo crust for a chocolatey twist or vanilla wafer crumbs for a lighter option.
What Can I Substitute For Corn Syrup?
Maple syrup or honey can work, but the texture may be slightly different.
How Do I Prevent Cracks In My Cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing the batter and bake at a lower temperature to prevent cracks.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! They taste even better after chilling overnight.
Do I Have To Use Parchment Paper?
Yes! It makes removing the bars much easier and prevents sticking.
Can I Add Chocolate To This Recipe?
Definitely! A drizzle of melted chocolate or chocolate chips in the cheesecake layer would add a delicious twist.
These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat to share. Try the recipe and let me know how it turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments and check out more dessert recipes on my site!
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