Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you love pecan pie and cheesecake, this Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars recipe brings the best of both worlds into one irresistible dessert! These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a gooey pecan pie topping. With crunchy, caramelized pecans and rich cheesecake, every bite is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing treat, these pecan pie cheesecake bars are guaranteed to impress.

What are Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert that combines two classic favorites: creamy cheesecake and sweet, nutty pecan pie. They start with a graham cracker crust, followed by a rich cheesecake layer, and are topped with a pecan pie filling made with brown sugar, butter, and pecans. The result is a dessert bar with the smoothness of cheesecake and the crunchy, gooey sweetness of pecan pie. These bars are baked in a 9x13-inch pan, making them perfect for serving a crowd.

Ingredients List for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these luscious bars:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full graham crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (or maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• Pinch of salt

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some substitutions and variations to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the cream cheese, butter, and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.
• Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, you can substitute the pecan pie topping with a caramel or chocolate layer instead.
• Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bars: Substitute the corn syrup with maple syrup for a more pronounced maple flavor in the pecan topping.
• Chocolate Pecan Cheesecake Bars: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cheesecake layer or drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for a chocolatey twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make these delicious Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars step by step:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
• Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it firmly with the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed cup.
• Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, beat in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
• Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
• Bake the cheesecake layer for 15-20 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the pecan pie topping.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Topping

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and corn syrup.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is thickened slightly.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt.
• Let the topping cool for about 5 minutes before pouring it over the cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

• Carefully pour the pecan pie topping over the cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
• Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pecan topping is bubbly and golden.
• Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until fully set.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

• Once the bars are chilled and set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
• Slice the bars into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and butter, then press into a 9x13-inch pan and bake.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth, then spread over the baked crust and bake until set.
3. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping: Boil brown sugar, butter, cream, and corn syrup, then stir in pecans and vanilla.
4. Bake Again: Pour the pecan topping over the cheesecake layer and bake until golden and bubbly.
5. Chill and Serve: Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Cheesecake: Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the cheesecake batter, causing it to crack while baking. Mix just until smooth and combined.
• Not Chilling Long Enough: Be sure to chill the bars for at least 2-3 hours to allow the cheesecake to set properly before slicing.
• Burning the Pecan Topping: Keep an eye on the pecan topping while it bakes to avoid burning the sugar. The topping should be golden and bubbly but not too dark.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a perfect treat for holidays and special gatherings. Here’s how to serve and present them beautifully:

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• For Special Occasions: These bars are ideal for holiday dinners, Thanksgiving, or Christmas gatherings. Serve them on a dessert platter alongside other seasonal favorites.
• With Ice Cream: Serve these bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair the bars with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of spiced eggnog for a cozy treat.

Presentation Ideas for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Drizzle with Caramel: Add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce over the bars before serving for added decadence.
• Top with Whipped Cream: Garnish each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
• Use a Decorative Platter: Serve the bars on a decorative tray or dessert stand for an elegant presentation, perfect for holiday parties.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
• Cutting Clean Slices: For neat, clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a perfect dessert for busy holiday preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! These bars can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. They actually taste even better after chilling overnight as the flavors have more time to meld.

Q: Can I freeze Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: Can I use a different crust?
A: Yes, you can use other types of crusts such as a shortbread crust or even a chocolate cookie crust for a different flavor profile.

Q: How long will these bars last?
A: The bars will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Q: Can I make these bars without corn syrup?
A: Yes! You can substitute the corn syrup with maple syrup, honey, or even golden syrup. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but they will still work well for the topping.

Conclusion

These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate indulgent dessert, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, nutty flavors of pecan pie. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress your guests. With a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious cheesecake layer, and gooey pecan pie topping, this dessert has everything you need for a crowd-pleasing treat. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious fusion of two classic desserts in one irresistible bar! Happy baking!

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