When you think about indulging in a dessert that perfectly combines creamy cheesecake with a crunchy, nutty topping, it’s hard not to think of pecan pie. Now, imagine turning that delicious classic into something even better: pecan pie cheesecake bars. These scrumptious, bite-sized treats are everything you love about a traditional pecan pie, but with the silky richness of cheesecake. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or just a sweet snack for yourself, these pecan pie cheesecake bars are the ultimate dessert to impress anyone with a sweet tooth.
Not only are they super easy to make, but they also bring out the best of two dessert worlds. Whether you’re a cheesecake fan or a pecan pie lover, you’re in for a treat. So, how do we take the best of both and combine them into one irresistible bar? Let’s dive into six fantastic recipes that will transform your kitchen into a sweet paradise.
1 Classic Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Why Classic Works
When it comes to creating a truly unforgettable dessert, sometimes going classic is the way to go. The beauty of classic pecan pie cheesecake bars lies in their simplicity—rich, creamy cheesecake topped with a perfectly caramelized pecan pie layer.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 ½ cups cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the pecan topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form your crust. Bake for about 10 minutes.
While that’s baking, prepare the cheesecake layer. Beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add in eggs, vanilla extract, and flour. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Now, for the final touch—mix together your pecan topping ingredients and pour over the cheesecake layer.
Bake everything for an additional 45–50 minutes or until the cheesecake is set, and the pecans are toasted golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving. Simple, classic, and absolutely delicious!
2 Chocolate Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Why Chocolate?
Sometimes, chocolate makes everything better. These chocolate pecan pie cheesecake bars take that classic dessert and add a rich, decadent layer of chocolate to the mix. The chocolate complements the sweet caramel flavor of the pecans, elevating the experience to another level.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (think Oreo or chocolate graham crackers)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (melted)
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 ½ cups cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
For the pecan topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Begin with the chocolate crust by mixing the cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Next, prepare the cheesecake layer by beating together the cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and cocoa powder to give it that chocolatey richness. Pour this onto your baked crust.
For the pecan topping, melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream, brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once smooth, stir in the pecans and pour over the cheesecake layer.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until set. Cool, slice, and indulge in this chocolatey pecan delight.
3 Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Why Salted Caramel?
Salted caramel and pecans are a match made in heaven. The sweet and salty combination in these bars adds a new twist to the classic pecan pie cheesecake bars, giving it a savory-sweet balance that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (melted)
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 ½ cups cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the pecan topping:
- 1 ½ cups pecans (chopped)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Begin by preparing the graham cracker crust, pressing the mixture into a greased pan, and baking it for 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, prepare the cheesecake filling by beating together the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.
To make the salted caramel topping, melt the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth, then add in the pecans. Pour the caramel mixture over the cheesecake layer.
Bake for about 45 minutes or until set, and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Top with a sprinkle of sea salt, and enjoy the sweet and salty goodness!
4 Maple Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Why Maple?
Maple syrup adds a distinct, warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pecans in these bars. The maple flavor blends seamlessly with the rich cheesecake, giving it an autumnal, cozy vibe that’s perfect for any season.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (melted)
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 ½ cups cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup
For the pecan topping:
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Start by preparing the graham cracker crust, pressing the mixture into the bottom of a greased pan, and baking it for 10 minutes.
While that bakes, whip up the cheesecake filling by beating together the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup. Pour this over the cooled crust.
For the maple pecan topping, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the pecans and pour over the cheesecake layer.
Bake for 45 minutes, cool, slice, and enjoy a taste of maple heaven!
5 Pumpkin Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Why Pumpkin?
When fall rolls around, pumpkin is the star of many desserts. But what if you combined pumpkin with pecan pie and cheesecake? These bars are like the ultimate fall dessert mash-up that will surely become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (melted)
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 ½ cups cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the pecan topping:
- 1 ½ cups pecans (chopped)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Begin by preparing the graham cracker crust, pressing it into the pan and baking it for 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, prepare the cheesecake layer by beating together the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
For the pecan topping, mix the corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the pecans and pour over the cheesecake layer.
Bake for 45 minutes, allow the bars to cool, and enjoy the perfect combination of pumpkin and pecan.
6 White Chocolate Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Why White Chocolate?
White chocolate adds a rich and creamy sweetness to these bars, making them the perfect choice for those who love the smooth, velvety flavor of white chocolate paired with the crunch of toasted pecans.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (melted)
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 ½ cups cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
For the pecan topping:
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Start by preparing the graham cracker crust, pressing the mixture into the pan, and baking it for 10 minutes.
Next, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Then, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and melted white chocolate. Pour this over the cooled crust.
For the pecan topping, mix the corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan, and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the pecans, then pour the topping over the cheesecake layer.
Bake for about 45 minutes, cool, slice, and enjoy these creamy, nutty bars.
Conclusion
From the classic recipe to unique twists like chocolate, caramel, and maple, these pecan pie cheesecake bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. The combination of a rich, creamy cheesecake with the nutty, caramelized pecans creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday, family gathering, or just as an indulgent treat, these bars are bound to impress. Ready to bake your own? Grab the ingredients and get started—you won’t regret it!
