Description
Pecan pie cheesecake bars blend two classic desserts into one irresistible treat. Rich layers of creamy cheesecake and caramelized pecans create a delightful Southern-inspired indulgence you’ll savor down to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Filling and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Additional Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, applying a light grease to prevent sticking.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, creating a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into the pan’s bottom to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and firm. Allow to cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Fold in vanilla extract, maintaining a smooth texture.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture uniformly across the cooled crust, creating an even layer.
- In a saucepan, meld brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened sauce, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and introduce vanilla extract and chopped pecans, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Carefully drizzle the pecan topping across the cheesecake layer, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheesecake sets and pecan topping develops a gentle bubbling surface.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal slicing and serving consistency.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat-based crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia in both cheesecake and pecan layers for a lower-calorie dessert.
- Enhance flavor complexity by toasting pecans before adding to the topping, which releases deeper nutty notes and increases aromatic richness.
- Create a dairy-free option by substituting cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and using coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 371 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg