Pecan Cheesecake Bars

Pecan Cheesecake Bars – Experience the combination of crispy pecans and creamy cheesecake with our Pecan Cheesecake Bars. Designed for dessert enthusiasts this recipe brings together a buttery graham cracker crust, a cheesecake filling, and a luscious pecan topping. Made with pecans, cream cheese, and a homemade crust these bars are a treat, for any special moment.

this Recipe

I still remember the first time I prepared these Pecan Cheesecake Bars for a family get-together. The kitchen was filled with the aroma as anticipation built up. Surprisingly even my husband who isn’t usually into desserts was instantly intrigued. My child’s eyes lit up at the sight of them. As we all took that first satisfying bite the perfect blend of textures and flavors won us over immediately. Since then it has become one of our family recipes—a must-have at every gathering.

What makes these Pecan Cheesecake Bars truly stand out?

Our Pecan Cheesecake Bars are a delight that promises an exceptional dessert experience like no other. Each layer is carefully crafted to perfection; starting from the fresh and crumbly graham cracker crust followed by the velvety smoothness of the cream cheese filling all crowned with toasted pecans on top. This dessert strikes a flawless harmony, between its textures and flavors—making it versatile enough to shine during holidays or create memories during cozy family gatherings. Its unique homemade appeal and delightful blend of textures make it stand out from the offerings, in the dessert category.

What You Need To Make This Pecan Cheesecake Bars Recipe?

Graham Cracker Crumbs: For the graham cracker crumbs it’s better to crush graham crackers than use pre-packaged ones. This little step makes a difference, in taste and texture giving your crust that crunch and a feeling of freshness.

Cream Cheese: The quality of the cream cheese is crucial as it forms the heart of any cheesecake. Make sure to use high-quality cream cheese at room temperature. This ensures a creamier filling without any lumps.

Granulated Sugar: When it comes to sweetening the filling opt for granulated sugar. It blends seamlessly providing sweetness without affecting the texture.

Butter: Butter plays a role in both the crust and pecan topping. For the crust you can choose between salted or unsalted butter depending on whether you prefer a balance to complement the sweetness. In the topping using unsalted butter allows the natural flavors of pecans and spices to shine through.

Eggs: Eggs are essential as they act as binders for the cheesecake filling. Using room-temperature eggs ensures blending. Creates a uniform filling.

Vanilla Extract: To enhance both the flavor of your cheesecake and pecan topping add a dash of high-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. This will add depth and warmth, to your dessert.

All-purpose Flour: Just a tablespoon of all-purpose flour is added to stabilize the cheesecake filling ensuring it achieves the perfect consistency.

Pecans: The stars of the show are the pecans. For flavor, it’s recommended to toast them before using in the topping. This enhances their taste. Adds a delightful depth, to these bars.

Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: To bring a caramel sweetness and a hint of spice to the pecan topping we incorporate brown sugar and cinnamon. These ingredients perfectly complement the creamy filling and crunchy crust.

Heavy Cream & Corn Syrup: For that glossy texture in our pecan topping we combine heavy cream and corn syrup. This duo works together seamlessly infusing richness throughout.

Salt: A pinch of salt in both the crust and topping acts as our weapon, for balancing and enhancing all flavors. It creates a blend of sweet and savory with each bite you take from these cheesecake bars.

Steps To Make Pecan Cheesecake Bars:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Make sure to grease a parchment paper lined 8×8 inch baking pan.

Step 2: To create the crust, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt and melted butter. Press this mixture into the pan. Bake for around 10 minutes.

Step 3: For the filling, blend together cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth. Then add eggs and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the crust. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Step 4: Now let’s move on to the topping. Cook pecans, sugars, cream, cinnamon, and butter, in a saucepan. Once cooked remove from heat. Stir in some vanilla extract. Spread this delicious topping, over the cheesecake.

Step 5: Allow it to cool down before placing it in the refrigerator (or overnight) to set properly. Once chilled slice it up. Serve!

Tip:

One helpful tip, for achieving the results with these Pecan Cheesecake Bars is to make sure you give them plenty of time to chill after assembling. While it may be tempting to slice into them when they’ve cooled to room temperature it’s important to refrigerate them for at least 6 hours preferably overnight. This extended chilling period allows the bars to be properly set, resulting in a fusion of layers and the deepening and enhancing of flavors. Additionally, it makes cutting the bars into perfect squares easier. Your patience will be rewarded with a dessert that not only tastes superior but also looks more visually appealing when served.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Of course! They are excellent, for preparing ahead of time since they require chilling in the refrigerator overnight.

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Definitely! Walnuts or almonds would make alternatives although pecans provide a unique flavor.

How do I store these cheesecake bars?

Place them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for, up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer-term storage.

Pecan Cheesecake Bars

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Immerse yourself in the layers of our Pecan Cheesecake Bars, a blend of textures and flavors that promise an exquisite culinary journey. Every bite combines the buttery foundation of a graham cracker crust with the velvety richness of a cream cheese filling all topped off with a tantalizing crown of caramelized pecans, for that perfect crunch. This recipe takes the cheesecake to heights by infusing it with the comforting warmth of pecans resulting in perfectly balanced squares that embody both coziness and sophistication. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself these bars are more, than dessert—they are a celebration of flavors that gracefully dance upon your taste buds.

PRINT PIN REVIEW SAVE Saved!

Ingredients

1x2x3x

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• ▢ 1 ½ c graham cracker crumbs about 12 graham crackers
• ▢ ¼ c granulated sugar
• ▢ ½ c butter melted (salted or unsalted)
• ▢ ¼ tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• ▢ 16 ounces cream cheese 2 blocks, softened
• ▢ ½ c granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ▢ 2 large eggs
• ▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• ▢ 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Pecan Topping:

• ▢ 1 c pecans roughly chopped
• ▢ ¼ c light corn syrup
• ▢ ⅓ c light brown sugar
• ▢ ⅓ c heavy cream
• ▢ ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ▢ 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ▢ ¼ tsp salt

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

 

1. Set your oven to 350°F. Grease the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper.

Create the Graham Cracker Crust:

1. Combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of sugar, ½ cup of butter and a pinch of salt, in a bowl.
2. Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom of the pan.
3. Bake for 10 minutes then allow it to cool completely.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Using a blender or mixer blend together 16 ounces of cream cheese, ½ cup of sugar 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour until you achieve a smooth consistency.
2. Add in two eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Pour this creamy filling over the crust. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until it sets with a jiggle when gently shaken.
4. Allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before proceeding to the step.

Make the Pecan Topping:

1. In a saucepan combine 1 cup of chopped pecans, ¼ cup corn syrup,⅓ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup heavy cream, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 4 tablespoons butter, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
2. Stir everything together over medium heat until it reaches a boil. Reduce heat. Let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
3. Remove, from heat. Stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Spread this pecan topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Relax and Chill:

1. Allow the bars to cool down to room temperature then put them in the refrigerator, for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight.
2. When ready use parchment paper to lift them out and cut into squares. They are ready to be served.

Notes

It's effortless to shift these Pecan Cheesecake Bars into a treat without renouncing any flavor or texture. The main modification is, in the crust. Instead of using graham cracker crumbs you can utilize a gluten-free alternative that you can find in most grocery stores. Make sure the crumbs are finely ground so they resemble the texture of a crust. If you want to add a twist you can mix in a bit of flour with the gluten-free crumbs for a subtle nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the pecan topping. When it comes to the ingredients most of them are naturally gluten-free. It's always good practice to check labels especially for items, like vanilla extract and corn syrup.

Audrey

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

nodashofgluten.com/