Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, crunchy pecan pie topping on a buttery crust, creating a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. These bars are easy to make, ideal for portion control, and offer endless customization options to suit your taste.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 70 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour substitute)
Crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Pecan Topping
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts/almonds as nut substitutes)
- Prepare the crust: Start by melting the butter and mixing it with brown sugar and flour until you achieve a crumbly texture. Press this mixture evenly into a lined 9×9-inch square baking pan to form a solid, buttery base.
- Mix the cheesecake filling: Beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream or heavy cream, and a pinch of flour. Blend until silky and fully combined to create the luscious cheesecake layer.
- Bake the crust with cheesecake layer: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 20 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly for the perfect creamy consistency.
- Prepare the pecan topping: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, light corn syrup or honey, egg, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir until the mixture is sticky and glossy.
- Add pecan topping and finish baking: Gently spread the pecan mixture over the partially baked cheesecake layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the pecan topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours. This helps the bars set perfectly for clean slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and fewer lumps.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper and an overhang to easily lift bars out without breaking.
- Do not overbake to prevent cracking or drying of the cheesecake layer.
- Chill the bars thoroughly to keep layers firm and make clean slicing easier.
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and texture in the topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: pecan pie cheesecake bars, pecan pie bars, cheesecake bars, holiday dessert, nut dessert, gluten-free dessert option