Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert. These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate mashup of two beloved classics, combining a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and a gooey, caramel-pecan topping. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make and is guaranteed to be a showstopper at any gathering, from holiday parties to casual family dinners. If you’ve been searching for a dessert that truly has it all, you’ve found it.
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this recipe. Each layer offers a unique texture and flavor that blend together perfectly. The crust is crisp, the cheesecake is tangy and smooth, and the topping is sweet and crunchy. Unlike a full-sized cheesecake, these bars are easy to slice, serve, and share, making them perfect for a crowd. They deliver all the decadent flavor of a classic pecan pie and a creamy cheesecake in one perfect bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need for each delicious layer.
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: The classic, buttery base for any great cheesecake bar.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the crumbs together to create a sturdy crust.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the crust.
For the Creamy Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature for a lump-free filling.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps it set.
- Large Eggs: Provides structure and richness. Make sure they’re at room temperature.
- Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess. Room temperature is key!
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
For the Gooey Pecan Pie Topping:
- Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, caramel-like base for the topping.
- Light Brown Sugar: For that classic, deep molasses flavor.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect gooey texture.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the topping silky and smooth.
- Pecan Halves: The star of the show! Roughly chopped for the best texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most incredible Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars. We’ll build them layer by layer for dessert perfection.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix! Gently stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake Layer
Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes. The center will still be slightly jiggly, which is exactly what you want.
Step 4: Create the Pecan Topping
While the cheesecake layer is baking, prepare the pecan pie topping. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let it bubble for about one minute, then remove it from the heat. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 5: Add Topping and Final Bake
Carefully pour the warm pecan topping over the partially baked cheesecake layer. Gently spread it out to cover the entire surface. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and the edges of the cheesecake are set.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about an hour. Once cool, cover the pan with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This step is crucial for the cheesecake to set properly and for clean slices. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, slice, and serve!
Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest, creamiest cheesecake filling, ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are all at room temperature. This prevents lumps.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the filling after adding the eggs incorporates too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to crack. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Chill Thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling process! A well-chilled cheesecake is not only tastier but also much easier to slice cleanly.
- Hot Knife for Clean Slices: For bakery-perfect squares, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.
Storing Your Cheesecake Bars
Store your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place the sliced bars on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, these are a perfect make-ahead dessert! You can prepare them 1-2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and become even more delicious overnight.
While pecans are classic, you could certainly experiment with other nuts. Walnuts would be a delicious substitute and would work well with the caramel topping.
Yes, absolutely. Because of the cream cheese filling, these bars must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 5 days.
For the cleanest slices, make sure the bars are thoroughly chilled (overnight is best). Use a large, sharp knife. Dip the knife in hot water and wipe it clean with a paper towel before making each cut.
The bars are done when the edges of the cheesecake are set and the center has a slight jiggle. The pecan topping should be golden brown and bubbly. The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools and chills.
More Decadent Desserts to Try
If you loved these bars, you’re sure to enjoy our classic Pecan Pie Bars. For another cheesecake-inspired treat, try these rich Cream Cheese Brownies (coming soon). And if you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, this No-Bake Oreo Pie is always a winner!
The Best Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with a mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low until just combined. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 20 minutes.
- While the cheesecake bakes, make the topping. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, stirring, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the pecans.
- Pour the warm pecan topping over the partially baked cheesecake. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and edges are set.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
Notes
Do not overmix the cheesecake filling after adding the eggs to prevent cracking.
Chilling overnight is highly recommended for the best texture and for clean, easy slicing.
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this recipe for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars as much as we do! If you make them, let us know how they turned out in the comments below. We’d love to see your creations, so be sure to share a photo and tag us on Pinterest!
