When I first baked my Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars, the aroma instantly reminded me of family gatherings, with laughter in the kitchen and sticky fingers sneaking pecans. This recipe is quick, easy, and family-friendly, blending creamy Philadelphia cheesecake with a gooey pecan pie topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, these pecan cheesecake bars with shortbread crust are customizable, comforting, and irresistible, making every bite a little celebration of home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate indulgence, these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are a must-try. The combination of a buttery shortbread crust, creamy Philadelphia cheesecake, and a rich, gooey pecan pie topping creates a dessert that’s both comforting and decadent. Perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or family-friendly gatherings, this recipe is quick, easy, and customizable. Whether you’re making no-bake pecan pie cheesecake bars or the classic baked version, these bars are the best pecan pie cheesecake bars you’ll ever taste. The sweet, nutty topping paired with smooth cheesecake makes each bite irresistible, while the shortbread crust adds the perfect crunch. You can even make pecan pie cheesecake bars without corn syrup for a lighter, natural sweetness. These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars recipe Philadelphia style delivers all the flavor of a traditional pecan pie with the creamy twist of cheesecake, making them a go-to for holidays, dessert tables, or anytime you want a show-stopping treat your whole family will love.
Ingredients for This Recipe
To make these irresistible Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars, each layer uses simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures. The buttery shortbread crust provides a firm, flavorful base that supports the rich Philadelphia cheesecake layer, giving a smooth and creamy consistency. The pecan pie topping is made with brown sugar, butter, and chopped pecans to deliver that classic sweet and nutty flavor. You can also customize this recipe, making no-bake pecan pie cheesecake bars or pecan pie cheesecake bars without corn syrup for a lighter sweetness. Every ingredient plays a role, from the sour cream in the cheesecake layer that adds a velvety richness to the eggs in the pecan topping that help it set perfectly. These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars recipe Philadelphia style combine classic dessert flavors into one easy, family-friendly, and crowd-pleasing treat.
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×13-inch pan):
For the Shortbread Crust:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
16 oz (2 packages) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Optional: 2 tablespoons corn syrup or maple syrup for extra gooeyness
How to Make This Recipe
Making Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars is easier than it looks, and the process highlights how each ingredient contributes to the perfect dessert. The buttery shortbread crust forms a firm base for the creamy Philadelphia cheesecake layer, which is rich, smooth, and slightly tangy from the sour cream. The pecan pie topping adds gooey sweetness and crunchy texture, with brown sugar, butter, and chopped pecans combining for the classic pecan pie flavor. Whether you’re making no-bake pecan pie cheesecake bars or a baked version, following each step ensures the best pecan pie cheesecake bars every time. This Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars recipe Philadelphia style is family-friendly, customizable, and perfect for holidays or special occasions.
🛒 Steps:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the shortbread crust by mixing flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly, press into the pan, and bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the cheesecake layer by beating Philadelphia cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, stir in vanilla and sour cream, and spread evenly over the cooled crust. Bake 20 minutes.
Step 4: Make the pecan pie topping by combining brown sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, vanilla, eggs, and chopped pecans. Pour over the cheesecake layer.
Step 5: Bake an additional 25–30 minutes until topping is set. Cool completely and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Step 6: Slice into squares to serve the best pecan pie cheesecake bars, perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions.
Expert Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars requires attention to how each ingredient interacts. The Philadelphia cream cheese gives the cheesecake layer its creamy, smooth texture, while the shortbread crust provides a buttery, firm base that holds the layers together. The pecan pie topping’s brown sugar and chopped pecans deliver rich, nutty sweetness that complements the cheesecake perfectly. Whether you’re making no-bake pecan pie cheesecake bars or the classic baked version, following these expert tips ensures your pecan pie cheesecake bars recipe Philadelphia style turns out perfectly every time, with clean slices, gooey topping, and a balanced flavor that impresses family and guests.
💡 Expert Tips:
- Chill the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing to get clean, firm pieces of pecan pie cheesecake bars.
- Use Philadelphia cream cheese for a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer that melts in your mouth.
- Press the shortbread crust evenly for a firm base that supports the cheesecake and pecan topping layers.
- For no-bake pecan pie cheesecake bars, refrigerate longer to help the layers set.
- Substitute maple syrup or honey to make pecan pie cheesecake bars without corn syrup while keeping the topping gooey.
- Cut bars with a warm, dry knife to create the best pecan pie cheesecake bars slices.
- Toast pecans lightly for extra flavor and crunch in your pecan pie cheesecake bars recipe.
FAQs
What are the best pecan pie cheesecake bars to make at home?
The best pecan pie cheesecake bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, creamy Philadelphia cheesecake, and a rich pecan pie topping. Using high-quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture, whether you choose a baked or no-bake version.
Can I make no-bake pecan pie cheesecake bars?
Yes, no-bake pecan pie cheesecake bars are simple to make by using a chilled cheesecake layer over a prepared crust and topping with the pecan mixture. Refrigerate for a few hours to let the layers set for the best pecan pie cheesecake bars texture.
How do I make pecan pie cheesecake bars without corn syrup?
You can substitute maple syrup or honey for corn syrup in pecan pie cheesecake bars. This creates a natural sweetness while keeping the topping gooey and flavorful, perfect for Philadelphia-style pecan pie cheesecake bars.
What type of crust works best for pecan pie cheesecake bars?
A buttery shortbread crust works best for pecan pie cheesecake bars, providing a firm base that holds the creamy cheesecake and pecan topping layers together. Graham cracker crusts are also an option for a lighter version of pecan pie cheesecake bars.
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Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie combined with creamy, smooth Philadelphia cheesecake. Whether you make baked or no-bake pecan pie cheesecake bars, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of textures with a buttery shortbread crust, luscious cheesecake layer, and gooey pecan topping. These pecan pie cheesecake bars recipe Philadelphia style are quick, easy, and family-friendly, making them ideal for holidays, special occasions, or a simple indulgent treat. Enjoy the best pecan pie cheesecake bars that are customizable, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to impress every time.
Print
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 2+ hours
- Yield: 16–20 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, creamy cheesecake layered over a buttery shortbread crust and topped with a gooey pecan pie layer. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want a decadent dessert bar that combines the best of cheesecake and pecan pie.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×13-inch pan):
For the Shortbread Crust:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
16 oz (2 packages) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Optional: 2 tablespoons corn syrup or maple syrup for extra gooeyness
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the pan. Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
Step 2: Make Cheesecake Layer
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream. Spread evenly over cooled crust. Bake 20 minutes.
Step 3: Make Pecan Pie Topping
Whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, vanilla, and eggs. Stir in chopped pecans (and corn syrup if using). Pour over cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Bake Bars
Return to oven and bake 25–30 minutes, until the topping is set and lightly golden. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
Lift bars from pan using parchment edges. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- No-Bake Option: Use a no-bake cheesecake layer and skip the second bake for a quicker version.
- Shortbread vs. Graham Cracker Crust: Shortbread gives buttery firmness; graham crackers add a lighter texture.
- Make Ahead: Refrigerate overnight to enhance flavors and firm the layers for cleaner slices.
- Corn Syrup Substitute: Maple syrup or honey works to make pecan pie topping without corn syrup.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Bars
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American