If you're a fan of both rich, creamy cheesecake and sweet, nutty pecan pie, then you're in for a treat! These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the best of both worlds into one decadent dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. From the crunchy pecan topping to the creamy cheesecake filling and buttery crust, these bars are the ultimate indulgence. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and tricks to make your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars flawless!

What are Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a fusion dessert, combining two beloved classics: pecan pie and cheesecake. The bars start with a buttery shortbread crust, layered with smooth cheesecake filling, and topped with a gooey, caramelized pecan topping. These bars give you the rich flavors of a pecan pie with the creamy texture of cheesecake, all in a convenient, easy-to-eat bar form. It's a perfect dessert for the holidays, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for something sweet, nutty, and comforting.
Ingredients List for the Crust:
The foundation of these bars is the buttery shortbread crust that provides a tender base for the rich layers above. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Ingredients List for the Cheesecake Layer:
The creamy cheesecake filling is what makes these bars so indulgent and satisfying. This layer adds a smooth and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pecan topping.
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Ingredients List for the Pecan Pie Topping:
The crowning glory of these bars is the pecan pie-inspired topping. Sticky, sweet, and full of crunchy pecans, it adds the perfect textural contrast to the creamy cheesecake layer.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Substitutions and Variations
Want to customize this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or what's in your pantry? Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour in the crust and cheesecake layer with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
- Maple Syrup Instead of Corn Syrup: If you prefer to avoid corn syrup, you can substitute it with pure maple syrup for a more natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add Chocolate: If you're a chocolate lover, you can sprinkle some mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake layer or even drizzle the bars with melted chocolate after they’ve cooled.
Feel free to get creative with the ingredients or even add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan topping for a more autumnal flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To make these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars, you'll prepare each layer separately and then assemble them for baking. The process is straightforward but does require some cooling time in between steps to ensure everything sets properly. Here's how to make them step-by-step:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure it covers the base evenly.
- Bake the crust for about 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown around the edges. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and flour. Beat until everything is combined and smooth, but do not overmix.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
3. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping:
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter.
- Stir in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly coated with the sweet syrup mixture.
- Gently pour the pecan topping over the cheesecake layer, using a spatula to distribute the pecans evenly across the surface.
4. Bake:
- Place the pan back into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the pecan topping is slightly browned and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set fully.
How to Cook Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of making Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars is simple, but it does require patience to ensure that each layer sets properly. Here's a summarized step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Make the crust: Mix flour, sugar, butter, and salt, then press into the baking pan and bake until golden.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and flour until smooth, then spread over the cooled crust.
- Top with pecan pie filling: Whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, butter, and pecans, then pour evenly over the cheesecake.
- Bake and cool: Bake until the topping is set and golden brown, then cool and refrigerate until firm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overmixing the cheesecake layer: Beating the cream cheese mixture too much can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks or a dense, heavy texture.
- Undercooking the crust: Make sure your crust is a light golden brown before adding the cheesecake layer. If the crust isn’t baked enough, it can become soggy under the cheesecake and pecan filling.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Skipping this step can result in runny layers.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are rich and satisfying, so they’re best served in small squares. You can either cut them into bite-sized pieces for a dessert platter or into larger bars for individual servings.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Chilled or Room Temperature: These bars can be served chilled for a firmer texture or allowed to come to room temperature for a softer bite.
- With Whipped Cream: For an extra touch of indulgence, top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Add a finishing drizzle of caramel sauce for an even more decadent dessert experience.
Presentation Ideas for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving for a simple, elegant look.
- Use a Decorative Plate: Arrange the bars on a decorative serving plate or tiered tray to elevate their presentation, especially if serving for a holiday or special occasion.
- Garnish with Pecan Halves: Add a few whole or halved pecans on top of each bar for a decorative and delicious garnish.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps enhance the flavors as they chill and set.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing, as this prevents lumps and ensures a smooth filling.
- Cutting the Bars: For clean cuts, run your knife under hot water, wipe it clean, and then slice the bars. Repeat this process between cuts for smooth, even edges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?
A: Yes! You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: How long do these bars last?
A: They will last for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use a different type of nut?
A: Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you could substitute walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor and texture.
Q: What can I use instead of corn syrup?
A: If you want to avoid corn syrup, try using maple syrup, honey, or golden syrup as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
Conclusion
These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion, offering the best of both cheesecake and pecan pie in one irresistible bite. Whether you're making them for the holidays, a potluck, or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, they're sure to impress. With a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake center, and a sticky-sweet pecan topping, they’re the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Follow our tips and steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love!
PrintPecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Indulge in these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars, combining the best of both worlds—rich cheesecake and sweet pecan pie. Made with a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and topped with caramelized pecans, this dessert is a hit for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Crust: Graham crackers, butter, sugar
- Cheesecake Layer: Cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract
- Pecan Pie Layer: Pecans, brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare crust by mixing crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a lined baking pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the crust.
- For the pecan topping, combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Stir until smooth, then mix in the pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the cheesecake layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set. Cool completely, then refrigerate before slicing.
Notes
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours before cutting for clean slices.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars from the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
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