Decadent Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

 

Ingredients

Shortbread Layer:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup light brown sugar (tightly packed)

1 cup softened butter

1 cup finely chopped pecans

Cheesecake Layer:

16 ounces (2 cans) soft cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Pecan Pie Layer:

1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 cup melted and slightly cooled butter

3 large eggs (lightly beaten)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and finely chopped pecans. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Add sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the slightly cooled shortbread crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping

In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Fold in the pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Gently pour the pecan pie topping over the cheesecake layer, spreading carefully to cover the surface.

Step 4: Bake

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly firm to the touch.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour.

Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once fully chilled, lift the bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper.

Slice into 12-16 squares, depending on your preferred portion size.

Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.