Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert mash-up — the rich, gooey flavor of pecan pie meets the smooth creaminess of cheesecake, all on a buttery shortbread crust. Each bite is a perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and creamy textures that melt in your mouth. Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables, fall gatherings, or whenever you want something indulgent and crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
🍰 Two Desserts in One: Creamy cheesecake meets classic pecan pie filling.
🍯 Buttery & Gooey: Sweet caramelized pecans on a rich, velvety base.
🎉 Great for Parties: Easy to slice, serve, and transport.
🧊 Make Ahead: Tastes even better after chilling overnight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed shortbread cookies)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup corn syrup (or maple syrup for a twist)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans

How to Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Step 1 – Make the Crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.

Step 2 – Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
Beat cream cheese, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth. Pour over cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until just set.

Step 3 – Make the Pecan Topping:
In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until bubbling, then mix in vanilla and chopped pecans. Remove from heat.

Step 4 – Assemble:
Pour warm pecan topping over the cheesecake layer. Spread evenly and bake for another 10 minutes.

Step 5 – Cool & Chill:
Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) before slicing into bars.

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars

🍫 Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
🥄 Don’t overmix the cheesecake — it should be smooth but not airy.
🧊 Chill completely before slicing for clean, even layers.
🍁 Try adding a dash of bourbon or maple extract to the pecan topping for extra flavor.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars shine on their own, but they’re even better with:

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce 🍮
• A dollop of whipped cream
• A sprinkle of sea salt for contrast
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Chill them overnight — they taste even better the next day.

Can I freeze Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely. Freeze sliced bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I use store-bought crust?
Yes, a pre-made graham crust works great for a shortcut.

Conclusion

These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are everything you love about fall desserts — buttery, nutty, creamy, and sweet in every bite. They’re elegant enough for the holidays yet easy enough for a weeknight treat. Once you make them, they’ll become a go-to recipe for every festive gathering. 🍁🍰