Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert! These pecan pie cheesecake bars combine two of the most beloved holiday treats into one irresistible bar. Imagine a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, and finished with a gooey, crunchy pecan pie topping. It’s the ultimate dessert hybrid that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
This easy dessert recipe is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a simple weeknight treat. The layers of flavor and texture come together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying bite every single time. Forget choosing between pecan pie and cheesecake—now you can have both! Let’s walk through how to make these incredible homemade bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delicious bars, you’ll need ingredients for three distinct layers: the crust, the cheesecake filling, and the pecan pie topping. Using high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture.
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup honey or light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to assemble your pecan pie cheesecake bars. We’ll build them layer by layer for the perfect result.
1. Prepare the Crust
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars out later.
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and packed light brown sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the next layer.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Pour this creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the warm crust. Use a spatula to spread it into a smooth layer.
3. Create the Pecan Pie Topping
In a medium saucepan, melt the ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the packed light brown sugar, honey (or corn syrup), and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for one minute, then remove it from the heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract and the chopped pecans. The mixture will be thick and wonderfully fragrant.
4. Assemble and Bake
Carefully spoon the warm pecan pie topping over the cheesecake layer. Gently spread it out to cover the cheesecake completely.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and the edges are set. The center of the cheesecake layer should be mostly set but may have a slight wobble. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the cheesecake to firm up completely.
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Recommended Amazon Baking Products
Having the right tools can make all the difference in baking. Here are a few of our favorite Amazon baking products that are perfect for this pecan pie cheesecake bars recipe.
- Baking Dish: A sturdy 9×13-inch glass baking dish like this one from Pyrex is a kitchen staple. It heats evenly and is perfect for layered bars.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking! This stainless steel set of measuring cups and spoons is durable, easy to read, and will ensure your ingredients are perfectly portioned.
- Electric Mixer: For a perfectly smooth cheesecake layer, a reliable electric hand mixer is a must. This KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixer is powerful, lightweight, and gets the job done without any fuss.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: The quality of your vanilla can elevate your desserts. Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Vanilla Extract offers a rich, complex flavor that’s perfect for both the cheesecake and pecan topping.
- Fresh Pecans: Don’t skimp on the star of the show! A bag of fresh, high-quality pecans, like these from Fisher, will give your topping the best flavor and crunch.
Tips for the Perfect Bars
- For a Clean Cut: To get those picture-perfect squares, make sure the bars are thoroughly chilled. Use a large, sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
- Don’t Overbake: The key to a creamy cheesecake layer is to avoid overbaking. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven.
- Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue! Allowing the bars to cool completely and then chill in the fridge is essential for the layers to set properly.
Delicious Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun ideas:
- Add Chocolate: Stir ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the pecan pie topping for a decadent twist.
- Use Different Nuts: Not a pecan fan? Try this recipe with walnuts or almonds instead.
- A Touch of Spice: Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
How to Serve and Store
These pecan pie cheesecake bars are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Read More: Eggnog Cheesecake with Gingerbread Crust Recipe
Your New Go-To Dessert
These pecan pie cheesecake bars truly offer the best of both worlds. With a buttery crust, a tangy cheesecake filling, and a sweet, crunchy topping, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
We hope you enjoy making this easy dessert recipe as much as we do! Don’t be shy—give it a try and let us know how your homemade bars turn out. Share your creations on social media and tag us!
Hi, I’m Mia! I’m passionate about helping you achieve your weight loss goals through natural, effective methods. On this blog, I share the best smoothie recipes for weight loss, top-rated supplements that actually work, and practical tips on how to lose weight fast and naturally. Every product and recipe is handpicked to support a healthier, more confident you.