Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday dessert that combines the rich flavors of creamy cheesecake and gooey pecan pie, you’re in the right place! These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are the perfect sweet treat for gatherings, celebrations, or any occasion when you want to impress. With a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and caramelized pecan topping, this dessert has it all! Read on to learn how to make this delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert from scratch.

What are Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a delicious fusion of two beloved desserts: cheesecake and pecan pie. With a crispy crust at the base, a smooth and tangy cheesecake middle layer, and a sticky-sweet pecan topping, these bars bring together the best of both worlds. They’re ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even a weeknight dessert when you’re craving something special.

Ingredients List for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 graham crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to customize your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars or make some substitutions, here are some ideas:

• Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute gluten-free graham crackers or use almond flour for a gluten-free version of the crust.
• Vegan Option: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace the butter with vegan butter.
• Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute in the cheesecake layer and use sugar-free maple syrup instead of corn syrup in the pecan topping.
• Chocolate Lover’s Variation: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake layer or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the bars for a delicious twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s the complete guide to making Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars from scratch. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll end up with the perfect holiday treat!

How to Make the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides for easy removal.
3. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press and Bake the Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

How to Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth, but be careful not to overmix.
3. Pour Over the Crust: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.

How to Make the Pecan Pie Topping

1. Combine Topping Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the Pecans: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans until they’re well-coated in the caramel mixture.
3. Spread Over Cheesecake Layer: Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly.

Final Baking Steps

1. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is bubbling.
2. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to fully set.
3. Cut and Serve: Once the bars are chilled, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in the cheesecake layer.
2. Overmixing the Cheesecake Batter: Overmixing introduces air, which can cause cracks in the cheesecake. Mix just until combined.
3. Using Too Many Pecans: Be mindful of the pecan topping layer – too many pecans can make it overly dense and hard to cut.
4. Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the bars after baking is essential for a firm texture and clean slices. Don’t skip this step!

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving these decadent Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars, presentation is key! Here are a few tips to make your dessert look as delicious as it tastes.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Room Temperature or Cold: These bars are delicious served cold from the fridge or at room temperature. For a firmer bite, serve cold; for a creamier texture, serve at room temperature.
• Cutting Tips: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.
• Individual Portions: Place each bar in a decorative cupcake liner or on a small dessert plate for a beautiful, mess-free presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

• Garnish with Pecans: Add a few whole pecans on top of each bar for an elegant finish.
• Drizzle of Caramel: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over each bar can add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a festive look, lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans make a big difference in flavor. Avoid stale pecans, as they can impart a bitter taste.
• Prevent Cracks in Cheesecake: Bake the bars on the middle rack, and avoid opening the oven door while baking. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks.
• Chill for Best Results: While it’s tempting to dive right in, chilling the bars thoroughly will make them easier to cut and help the layers set perfectly.
• Storage Tips: These bars can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They also freeze well! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars a day or two in advance. In fact, chilling them overnight improves their flavor and makes slicing easier.

2. Can I freeze Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

3. What can I use instead of corn syrup?
If you don’t want to use corn syrup, you can substitute it with maple syrup or honey, though it may slightly alter the taste and texture.

4. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust for 10 minutes helps prevent it from getting soggy and ensures it stays crisp under the cheesecake layer.

5. Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts make a great substitute for pecans if you prefer, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a delightful, indulgent dessert that combines two of the best holiday treats into one mouth-watering bar. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake center, and sweet pecan topping, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion where you want to impress, these bars are as beautiful as they are delicious. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

Print