If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the gooey richness of a classic pecan pie with the creamy tang of New York-style cheesecake, Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are truly an answer to dessert prayers. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a lush cheesecake center, and a glossy, buttery pecan topping, each bite delivers the best of both worlds. These bars not only bring the wow-factor to any holiday table but are surprisingly easy to make for gatherings big or small. Prepare for rave reviews and second helpings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars starts with a handful of kitchen staples. Each ingredient pulls its own weight, building layer upon layer of flavor, texture, and irresistible charm—so don’t skip a thing!
- Graham cracker crumbs: Give that signature sweet and sandy base, sturdy enough for all the luscious toppings.
- Granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness to both crust and cheesecake layers.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust and fortifies the topping with luxurious richness.
- Cream cheese, softened: The creamy heart of this dessert, delivering that classic cheesecake body and tang.
- Eggs: Essential for setting the cheesecake, giving it structure without heaviness.
- Vanilla extract: A warm, aromatic note that ties every component together.
- Sour cream: Lightens the cheesecake and adds irresistible creaminess.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel note, crucial for an authentic pecan pie flavor.
- Light corn syrup: Keeps the pecan topping glossy and sticky; substitute with maple syrup for extra character.
- Chopped pecans: The crowning glory, adding buttery crunch with every bite.
How to Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a little overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This simple little trick makes all the difference when it comes to slicing your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars cleanly once they’re chilled.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press this mixture evenly and firmly into your prepared pan—go right into the corners. Bake the crust for 10 minutes at 325°F, which helps set it and gives it a subtle toasty flavor foundation.
Step 3: Blend the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is incredibly smooth (no lumps!). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream. This creates a velvety, tangy cheesecake filling that sits perfectly on the crust. Pour it gently over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled bars for 35 to 40 minutes—just until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle. Overbaking can lead to cracks, so keep an eye on them. Once done, let the bars cool completely at room temperature before popping the pan into the fridge for at least three hours. Patience now means perfect slices later.
Step 5: Create the Pecan Pie Topping
While the cheesecake chills, turn your attention to the irresistible pecan topping. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together light brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until melted and bubbling—about two to three minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the chopped pecans, and let it cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake layer.
Step 6: Chill and Slice
After pouring the pecan topping over your set cheesecake, refrigerate the whole pan for at least one more hour. This final chill makes the bars easy to slice and the layers nice and neat. Once ready, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out, slice into 16 beautiful pieces, and marvel at your creation!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
You can make your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars extra flashy by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of sea salt right before serving. Even a dollop of whipped cream on each square makes the bars look utterly irresistible and gives a lovely contrast to their richness.
Side Dishes
These bars are a showstopper with coffee or hot tea. If you’re serving them at a celebration, consider offering a fresh fruit salad or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple, refreshing balance to the decadent bars. They’re also excellent with warm mulled cider or your favorite holiday beverage.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars on a tiered dessert tray for buffet tables, or nestle each bar in a festive cupcake liner for easy grab-and-go treats at parties. For gifting, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with kitchen twine for a rustic, homemade touch everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you have leftovers, store your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars tightly covered in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their texture, layers, and flavor for up to five days, making them perfect for snacking or late-night cravings.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Slice them first, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars at room temperature or slightly warm, just remove them from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving. If you want a little extra coziness, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 seconds—just enough to bring out that pecan pie aroma, but not so much that the cheesecake gets too soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans give these bars their signature flavor, you can substitute walnuts or even almonds if desired. Opt for nuts with a similar buttery texture for the best results.
What if I don’t have light corn syrup?
No corn syrup? No problem. Maple syrup or honey work as lovely substitutes, giving the topping deeper, more complex flavors. Just know the resulting texture may be slightly less glossy but equally delicious.
How long do these bars need to chill?
For the cleanest slices and best texture, chill the bars in the fridge for at least three hours after baking the cheesecake layer, and an additional hour after adding the pecan topping. Overnight chilling is even better, letting all the flavors meld together.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just double each ingredient and bake the bars in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly—start checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark for the cheesecake layer.
Are Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars gluten free?
As written, these bars use regular graham crackers for the crust, which contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free graham crackers or cookies—the rest of the recipe stays the same!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars—the way each layer comes together, the delightful mix of textures, and how unbelievably easy they are to share with a crowd (or keep all to yourself!). Give these a spot on your next dessert table, and don’t be surprised when they disappear before your eyes. Happy baking!
Print
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of pecan pie and cheesecake with these rich and creamy bars. A graham cracker crust supports a velvety cheesecake layer, topped with a sweet and nutty pecan topping.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a lined pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar, add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Pour over crust and bake for 35–40 minutes. Cool and chill.
- Pecan Topping: Cook brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla until bubbly. Stir in pecans, cool slightly, then pour over chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate before slicing.
Notes
- Make ahead for easy entertaining—these bars slice cleanly and taste even better the next day.
- You can substitute maple syrup for the corn syrup if desired for a deeper flavor.
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