Description
Rich pecan pie cheesecake bars combine two classic desserts in one irresistible treat. Creamy cheesecake and caramelized pecans layer together for a delightful Southern-inspired indulgence you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup melted butter (226 g)
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers (240 g)
- 1/2 cup corn syrup (120 ml)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare an oven-safe baking dish by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal, ensuring edges are fully covered.
- Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter, creating a uniform sandy texture.
- Press the cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared dish, creating a compact foundational crust.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky, gradually incorporating sugar and vanilla extract for a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the cream cheese mixture, mixing gently after each addition to maintain a velvety texture.
- Carefully spread the cream cheese batter over the prepared graham cracker base, ensuring an even distribution at 350°F.
- Bake the initial cheesecake layer for approximately 22 minutes, until the center is slightly firm but not completely set.
- Simultaneously prepare the pecan topping by combining brown sugar, corn syrup, and whole pecans in a separate mixing bowl.
- Once the initial cheesecake layer has partially baked, distribute the pecan mixture evenly across the surface.
- Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 18-20 minutes until the pecan layer caramelizes.
- Remove from oven and allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to enable proper setting before slicing into precise, clean bars.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother, lump-free cheesecake mixture that blends effortlessly.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars without sticking.
- For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
- Toast pecans briefly before adding to the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex, rich taste profile.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 448
- Sugar: 37 g
- Sodium: 145 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg