Description
These decadent bars perfectly blend the creamy, tangy indulgence of a classic cheesecake with the warm, buttery, and nutty crunch of traditional pecan pie. Featuring a graham cracker crust, a velvety cream cheese center, and a rich, caramel-like pecan topping, these bars offer a soul-warming experience. They are an elegant yet accessible dessert, perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a comforting weekend treat, delivering sophisticated layers of flavor in a convenient handheld square.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup salted sweet cream butter, melted and cooled
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup salted sweet cream butter, melted
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter; press firmly into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
Add cornstarch, eggs, and vanilla, mixing on low speed until combined, then pour over the crust.
Bake for 25 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Whisk brown sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and pecan halves in a medium bowl; spoon this mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and set.
Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer. For cleaner slices, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each cut. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg