Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: Ultimate Indulgence in Every Bite

As a child, I remember the anticipation that filled the air whenever my grandmother decided to make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars. The sweet, nutty aroma would swirl through the house, pulling me into the kitchen long before the dessert was ready. These bars, a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and pecan pie, were a staple at every family gathering. The crispy graham cracker crust, topped with a velvety cheesecake layer and crowned with a rich pecan topping, made a sweet treat that was impossible to resist.

Creating these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars has become a cherished tradition in my own kitchen. I find joy in transforming simple ingredients into a dessert that brings smiles and satisfaction to my family and friends. With every slice, there’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that makes each bite a little piece of happiness. As I bake, I often think of my grandmother and how she would have loved to see these bars become a favorite in my home too.

Whether for a holiday feast or a simple weekend dessert, these bars never fail to impress. The recipe might seem complex at first glance, but it’s surprisingly approachable. I’ve broken down each step to ensure that even a novice in the kitchen can create these delightful Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars. Let’s dive into this recipe together and create a dessert that’s bound to become a family favorite.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

---

• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of pecan pie and cheesecake with our irresistible Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars recipe. Learn how to make this delicious dessert today!

---

Ingredients

• – 2 cups (240g) graham cracker crumbs
• – 1/4 cup (50g) sugar (granulated)
• – 1/2 cup (113g) vegetable oil (melted)
• – 16 ounces (454g) cream cheese (at room temperature (2 pkg, 8 oz each))
• – 3/4 cup (150g) sugar (granulated)
• – 2 large eggs
• – 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• – 3/4 teaspoon (4 ml) salt
• – 1 cup (220g) brown sugar (packed)
• – 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup (or dark)
• – 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut cream
• – 1/4 cup (57g) vegetable oil (melted)
• – 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
• – 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• – 2 cups (226g) pecans (chopped)

---

Instructions

1. Set your oven to a temperature of 350°F. Prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring it adheres by spraying a bit of cooking spray first. Put aside.
2. In a food processor, blend the graham cracker crumbs with sugar until they become fine. Incorporate the melted vegetable oil and blend until the mixture is well integrated. Firmly press this mixture into the base of the baking dish you’ve prepared. You can use your hands, but a spoon’s back works well to ensure it’s evenly compacted. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Combine the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in your mixer bowl. Using the whisk attachment on medium speed, blend until the mixture is smooth; this should take around 5 minutes.
4. Spread this mixture over the graham crust, leveling it with a spatula as much as possible. Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the cheesecake layer begins to firm up slightly.
5. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, coconut cream, melted vegetable oil, salt, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium while stirring continuously until it reaches a boil. Let it boil for another minute, then take it off the heat. Mix in the chopped pecans.
6. Pour this mixture over the cheesecake layer, smoothing it out with a spatula if needed. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the pecan topping to develop a golden hue. Allow it to cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.
7. Before serving, cut the cheesecake into bars.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese reaches room temperature for a silky smooth cheesecake layer.
• Toast the pecans before adding for a more flavorful topping.
• Chill the cheesecake bars for a minimum of 4 hours to enhance the overall taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 15g

Keywords: graham crust, creamy cheesecake, pecan topping, baked dessert, sweet treat, decadent indulgence

Creating the Perfect Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Fundamentals

The foundation of these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars lies in the balance between a crunchy crust, a smooth cheesecake layer, and a decadent pecan topping. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect dessert. Using quality ingredients ensures that the flavors come together harmoniously. The graham cracker crust provides a sturdy base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake and nutty pecan layers.

Preparation/setup

Start by setting your oven to 350°F and preparing a 9×9 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal of the bars later. In a food processor, blend graham cracker crumbs with sugar before adding melted vegetable oil. Press this mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. This crust forms the essential base layer for your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars.

Mix the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixer bowl. Blend these ingredients on medium speed until smooth. This cheesecake mixture, when poured over the baked crust, creates a luscious middle layer. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the cheesecake slightly firms up.

Mastering the Art of Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Technique

For the pecan topping, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, coconut cream, melted vegetable oil, salt, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until it reaches a boil. Allow it to boil for another minute before removing it from the heat and mixing in the chopped pecans. This topping is the crowning glory of the bars, adding a rich, nutty finish.

Tips/tricks

Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth cheesecake layer. This detail prevents lumps, ensuring an even texture throughout. For the pecan topping, keep a close eye as it boils to avoid scorching, which can affect the flavor. Once assembled, let the bars cool completely before refrigerating, allowing the layers to fully set.

Refining Your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Perfecting results

After baking, let the bars cool to room temperature before covering them with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerating for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. This step is vital for achieving the correct consistency and flavor profile. Patience is key; allowing the bars to set fully ensures clean cuts when serving and a perfect blend of flavors in every bite.

Troubleshooting/variations

Should you encounter any issues like a cracked cheesecake layer, know that this is common and can often be masked by the pecan topping. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts can be an excellent substitute for pecans while maintaining the essence of the dessert. Explore other variations like adding a touch of cinnamon to the graham crust for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Delightful Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Serving/presentation

When ready to serve, cut the cheesecake into bars with a sharp knife for clean edges. The presentation is key, especially when serving at gatherings where the visual appeal can enhance the dining experience. Arrange the bars on a platter, allowing the layers to showcase their contrasting colors and textures, inviting everyone to indulge in this delectable treat.

Pairings/storage

Pair these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement their sweetness. For storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. They can last up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion.

Conclusion

These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars encapsulate the joy of home baking with their rich flavors and delightful textures. Creating them involves mastering a few simple techniques that result in a dessert sure to impress. The combination of a crunchy crust, creamy cheesecake, and decadent pecan topping makes this recipe a standout at any gathering. By following this guide, you can achieve consistently delicious results, bringing a touch of homemade elegance to your table.

With their perfect balance of flavors and textures, these bars showcase the best of both cheesecake and pecan pie, making them a versatile dessert for various occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe offers a gratifying culinary experience, promising to become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire.

For more pecan-inspired treats, explore these No Bake Pecan Pie Balls or delve into the creamy world of Pecan Caramel Cheesecake. And if you’re in the mood for something different, these Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars offer a refreshing twist.

FAQs – Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars