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Pecan Cheesecake Bars
Introduction
If you love the buttery crunch of pecans and the smooth, velvety texture of cheesecake, these Pecan Cheesecake Bars are the dessert of your dreams. Each bite brings together a nutty, caramel-like crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a topping of golden roasted pecans that add the perfect crunch.
They’re everything you want in a dessert — rich, elegant, and satisfying — yet surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving something special, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that disappear fast.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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450g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
For the Pecan Topping:
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¾ cup chopped pecans (plus extra halves for decoration)
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3 tablespoons butter
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
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1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
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In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined and the texture resembles wet sand.
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Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9×9-inch baking pan.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
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Add the sugar and mix again until fully combined.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and sour cream. Mix until the batter is silky and lump-free.
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Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Prepare the Pecan Topping:
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In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with brown sugar and honey. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes glossy.
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Remove from heat, then stir in the chopped pecans and cinnamon.
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Gently spoon this topping over the cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly.
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4. Bake the Cheesecake Bars:
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
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Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the bars to firm up perfectly.
5. Slice and Serve:
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Lift the chilled cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper.
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Slice into neat squares or bars using a sharp knife.
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Top each piece with a pecan half for a beautiful finishing touch.
Tips for Perfect Bars
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For a deeper flavor, toast your pecans in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them.
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Always chill the cheesecake completely before slicing — it makes the texture rich and clean.
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Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent twist.
Conclusion
These Pecan Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of creamy, crunchy, and sweet — a dessert that feels both homemade and gourmet. Every bite melts in your mouth with layers of buttery crust, silky cheesecake, and caramelized pecans that make it simply unforgettable.
Serve them at your next gathering, gift them to friends, or save them just for yourself — either way, they’ll be gone before you know it. Because when pecans and cheesecake meet, dessert magic happens! 🥰🍰
