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pecan pie cheesecake bars stacked on a white plate.
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4.60 from 5 votes

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

With a crumbly shortbread crust, a silky smooth cheesecake layer, and a sweet, decadent pecan pie layer on top, these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are an epic mashup of flavors. These bars make the perfect Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Chill Time4 hrs
Total Time4 hrs 55 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 337kcal
Author: Ashley Boyd

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (185g) use Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour for gluten-free bars
  • cup light brown sugar or dark brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract not vanilla flavoring
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted, one stick

Cheesecake Layer

Pecan Pie Layer

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Spray an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the edges to help with removing the bars. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick spray and set the pan aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop and pour it into the bowl with the flour. Add the vanilla extract and mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon until all of the flour is moistened.
  • Press the crust into the bottom of the lined pan and bake it for 15 minutes or until the edges just start to turn light golden brown.
  • Meanwhile, add the cream cheese to a medium mixing bowl and beat it with an electric handheld mixer until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sugars, eggs, vanilla, and salt, and mix until smooth, about 2 more minutes.
  • Pour the cheesecake filling over the hot crust and bake it for 30-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cheesecake comes out clean.
  • While the cheesecake is baking, make the pecan pie filling by adding the sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, butter, salt, and cinnamon to a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil, stirring constantly.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes, stirring regularly. The mixture should coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the pecans and vanilla.
  • Pour the pecan filling over the cheesecake and gently spread it out into an even layer. Chill the bars for at least four hours up to overnight.
  • When ready to serve, remove the unsliced bars from the pan using the parchment paper handles and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into 16 bars using a sharp knife and enjoy!

Notes

  • Line your pan with parchment paper. This will help you remove the chilled bars from the pan and keep them from sticking. Nonstick spray alone isn't enough. Make sure you leave some hanging over the edge to act as handles!
  • Use room-temperature cream cheese. This helps you get a smooth cheesecake layer with no lumps.
  • Use maple syrup as a substitute for corn syrup if you are avoiding this ingredient.
  • Allow the bars to fully set. These bars need plenty of time for the pecan layer to properly set. Chill them for the full four hours.
  • Leftover pecan pie cheesecake bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • To freeze pecan pie cheesecake bars, slice them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them uncovered. Transfer the frozen bars to a zip-top freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 29.1g | Protein: 4.6g | Fat: 23.3g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 0.7g | Sugar: 14.1g | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg