Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nutty sweetness of pecan pie. Every bite seems to whisper of holiday gatherings and cozy family dinners, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion. Having made these bars countless times, I can confidently say that they never fail to impress! The creamy texture, caramel-like pecan topping, and graham cracker crust create a heavenly dessert that’s perfect for everything from the Thanksgiving table to an afternoon treat.

Why you’ll love this dish

These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars bring several irresistible elements to the table. First, they’re surprisingly straightforward to prepare, meaning you don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to whip them up. They also feature budget-friendly ingredients, with most of them likely already in your pantry. Not to mention, they’re a huge crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want a sweet treat for the family, these bars never disappoint.

“These cheesecake bars are pure bliss! The combination of flavors is incredible, and they disappear every time I make them!”

Step-by-step overview

Creating Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars is an enjoyable journey that combines a crunchy graham cracker crust, a rich cheesecake filling, and a luscious pecan topping. You’ll start by preparing the crust, followed by the cheesecake layer, and finally, the pecan topping. It’s a simple yet impressive order of operations that results in a decadent dessert!

What you’ll need

To make these delectable bars, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 16 ounces (454 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (80 g) sour cream, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup (160 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup (or dark corn syrup)
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 cups (220 g) pecans, roughly chopped

Feel free to substitute ingredients like sour cream with Greek yogurt or switch out corn syrup for honey to suit your dietary preferences!