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Decadent Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars with Crunchy Topping

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These bars combine the lusciousness of pecan pie and creamy cheesecake with a crunchy pecan topping, perfect for an indulgent yet easy dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, crushed)
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (or maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until evenly coated and press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until silky smooth, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Pour cheesecake batter over the baked crust and spread evenly.
  5. Make the pecan topping: Whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in chopped pecans until well coated.
  6. Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer without pressing down.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until bars are set but slightly jiggly in the center. Avoid overbaking.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack (1-2 hours), then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  9. Slice into bars using a sharp knife wiped clean after each cut.

Notes

Keep cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracking or drying out. Toast pecans lightly for enhanced flavor (optional). Cool bars completely before slicing for clean cuts. Bars taste better after chilling overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie, cheesecake bars, pecan topping, dessert bars, easy dessert, holiday dessert, pecan pie cheesecake

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/decadent-pecan-pie-cheesecake-bars-recipe-with-crunchy-topping-easy-steps/