If you love pecan pie and cheesecake, then you’re in for a real treat! Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the best of both worlds—rich, creamy cheesecake and gooey, buttery pecan pie filling—all on top of a buttery shortbread crust. These bars are perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for an indulgent dessert. Follow this easy step-by-step recipe to create delicious Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars that will have everyone coming back for more!

What Are Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars?

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a delightful combination of two classic desserts. They feature a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a rich pecan pie topping made with toasted pecans, butter, and caramel-like brown sugar. These bars offer the perfect mix of textures—crunchy, creamy, and gooey—all in one bite. They're baked in a large pan and cut into squares, making them easy to serve for parties, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a special dessert.

Ingredients List for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

To make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Shortbread Crust:

All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups
Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened at room temperature
Brown sugar: ¼ cup, packed
Salt: ¼ teaspoon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

Cream cheese: 16 oz (2 blocks), softened at room temperature
Granulated sugar: ½ cup
Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

Chopped pecans: 1 ½ cups
Brown sugar: ½ cup, packed
Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick)
Heavy cream: 2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Salt: ¼ teaspoon

Ingredients List for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars (For Clarity)

Shortbread Crust: A simple base made with butter, flour, sugar, and salt that provides a buttery, crumbly foundation.
Cheesecake Layer: A classic, creamy cheesecake made with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Pecan Pie Topping: Chopped pecans coated in a buttery, caramel-like mixture made with brown sugar, butter, cream, and vanilla for that classic pecan pie flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, and you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives to make these bars dairy-free.
Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, replace the pecans with an oat-based crumble topping or chocolate chips for a different texture and flavor.
Bourbon Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the pecan pie topping for a boozy twist.
Spiced Pecan Pie Bars: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheesecake filling or pecan topping for a warm, spiced flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal, and set aside.

2. Make the Shortbread Crust:

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, softened butter, brown sugar, and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled shortbread crust and spread it evenly.

4. Bake the Cheesecake Layer:

Bake the cheesecake layer in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the pecan pie topping.

5. Make the Pecan Pie Topping:

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and begins to simmer, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.

6. Add the Pecan Topping:

Carefully spoon the pecan pie topping over the slightly cooled cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly.

7. Final Bake:

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is set and bubbling. The edges should be golden brown, and the pecan topping should be sticky and caramelized.

8. Cool and Chill:

Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to firm up and set the cheesecake layer.

9. Slice and Serve:

Once the bars are fully chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

How to Make Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the steps:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x9-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Prepare and bake the shortbread crust for 15-18 minutes.
Step 3: Make the cheesecake filling and spread it over the cooled crust.
Step 4: Bake the cheesecake layer for 15-18 minutes until set.
Step 5: Prepare the pecan pie topping in a saucepan and spread it over the cheesecake.
Step 6: Bake the bars for an additional 20-25 minutes until the pecan topping is set.
Step 7: Cool the bars completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is fairly simple, here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars:

Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
Overbaking the Cheesecake Layer: The cheesecake layer should be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven. Overbaking can make the texture too dense.
Undercooking the Pecan Topping: Make sure the pecan pie topping simmers for a few minutes to ensure it thickens properly. Undercooking the topping can result in a runny, gooey layer.
Skipping the Chill Time: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the bars for at least 2 hours helps them set, making them easier to slice and enhancing the flavors.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a beautiful and indulgent dessert, perfect for serving at holiday dinners or special gatherings. Here are some tips for serving and presentation:

Holiday Dessert Table: Arrange the bars on a platter for a stunning addition to any holiday dessert table.
Drizzle with Caramel: For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle the bars with caramel sauce before serving.
Garnish with Pecans: Top each bar with a whole pecan or extra chopped pecans for a decorative touch.
Whipped Cream: Serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Here are some fun ways to serve these delicious bars:

Individual Plates: Serve each bar on its own small plate with a fork for a more formal presentation.
With Ice Cream: Pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect warm and cold dessert combo.
In Bite-Sized Portions: Cut the bars into smaller squares or rectangles for bite-sized servings at parties or dessert buffets.

Presentation Ideas for Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Here are some creative presentation ideas to make your Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars stand out:

Tiered Dessert Stand: Arrange the bars on a tiered dessert stand for a beautiful display at parties or holiday gatherings.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch.
Serve on a Rustic Board: For a casual, rustic presentation, serve the bars on a wooden cutting board with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on the side.

Pecan Pie

Cheesecake Bars Recipe Tips

Make Ahead: These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and slice just before serving.
Freeze for Later: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Extra Crunch: Toast the pecans before adding them to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

Q: Can I freeze pecan pie cheesecake bars?
A: Absolutely! Once the bars are fully cooled, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: How do I keep the cheesecake layer from cracking?
A: To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter and baking the cheesecake layer until it’s completely firm. It should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you take it out of the oven.

Q: Can I use a different nut for the topping?
A: Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor, though pecans give it the classic pecan pie taste.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the best of pecan pie and cheesecake into one delicious bite. With a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a rich pecan pie topping, these bars are sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, special occasion, or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a decadent dessert that everyone will love! Enjoy!