
Picture your dessert table this Thanksgiving: tidy rows of gooey bars, each with a buttery graham cracker foundation, a lusciously smooth cheesecake center, and a glossy, nut-studded pecan topping. Welcome to the world of Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars—where two all-time favorites collide in the most mouthwatering mashup you’ll ever taste.
Why settle for a single-serving slice of pie when you can have portable, grab-and-go squares of heaven? These bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser: no fussy slicing, no sticky fingers—just perfect rectangles of rich indulgence. If you’ve ever eyed a traditional pecan pie and thought, “I wish you were creamier,” today’s your lucky day.
Here’s what makes this the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert:
- Double the delight: Imagine the caramel-y sweetness of pecan pie cascading over a velvety cheesecake layer.
- Party-proof: Bars are infinitely more convenient than pie slices—guests can snag one (or three) and keep mingling.
- Pre-slice power: Cut them in advance, stash them in the fridge, and reclaim your kitchen on Thanksgiving Day.
Sure, you could stick to your grandmother’s tried-and-true Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe, but why not elevate it? I’m talking toasted Pecans for maximum crunch, a hint of sea salt to cut the sweetness, and a graham cracker crust that’s buttery enough to deserve its own fan club.
Ingredient intel:
- Graham crackers: Honey or cinnamon flavor works—you pick the vibe.
- Cream cheese: Let it sit at room temp for a few minutes to ensure a silky Pecan Cheesecake filling.
- Corn syrup: Use only LIGHT corn syrup—the dark stuff will overpower the pie’s delicate flavor.
- Pecans: Chop halves into bite-sized pieces and toast them briefly to bring out their toasty aroma.
- Vanilla & heavy cream: Tiny additions that truly transform your Pecan Pie Cheesecake into a smooth, dreamy dream.
Step-by-Step Magic:
- Crust creation: Blitz graham crackers and sugar in a processor, then pulse in melted butter. Press this into a buttered pan until it’s firm as a red-carpet platform.
- Cheesecake swirl: Whip cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until the mix is fluffier than grandma’s favorite throw pillow. Pour over the crust and smooth out the top.
- Pecan pie layer: Heat corn syrup, butter, cream, and salt just until it boils. Stir in vanilla, then pecans—watch out, it’s addicting at this point. Gently spoon this nutty mixture over the cheesecake, trying not to let it seep underneath.
- Bake & chill: Slide into a 350°F oven for about 35 minutes. Let the bars cool completely before wrapping and chilling for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better).
Pro Tips & Tricks:
- Stand mixer FTW: Use the whisk attachment to get your cheesecake filling impossibly airy.
- Layer like a boss: Pour the pecan topping with a spoon—slow and steady prevents those Pecan Recipes from sinking.
- Fridge heroes: Store in an airtight container; these taste stellar cold.
FAQ Fun:
- Can I buy graham crumbs? Absolutely. Or crush them yourself in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin—stress relief and crumbs in one.
- Do I need parchment? Yes! Line your baking dish for easy bar removal and zero crust-related meltdowns.
- Freezable? You bet. Flash-freeze in slices, stash in freezer bags, and thaw at room temp when you need a quick dessert rescue.
Looking to expand your Cheesecake Bar Recipes repertoire? Try swapping pecans for toasted coconut flakes for a quasi-Coconut Dessert twist. Or drizzle with chocolate ganache for a decadent double-layer effect. Honestly, the sky’s the limit.
If you love playing with Dessert Bar Recipe formats, you’re in for a treat: next on your list might be pecan pie brownies (hello, fudgy crunch) or a pecan pie trifle for maximum wow factor. But first, master this bar iteration—your guests will thank you, your kitchen will thank you, and your dessert table will never look better.
So, are you ready to level up your holiday spread with these show-stopping Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars? Preheat that oven, round up your Pecans, and let the magic begin. Trust me—one bite, and you’ll wonder how you ever did Thanksgiving without them.


Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars – Ultimate Cheesecake Bar Recipes
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 large bars
Description
Get ready to swoon over these multi-layered bars! A crisp graham cracker base gives way to a lush cheesecake center, all crowned with a gooey, nut-packed pecan topping. One bite and you’ll see why these are a holiday must-have.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Base
- 2½ cups finely crushed graham crackers (about 18 full sheets)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Creamy Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pecan Pie Topping
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare & Line Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a 13×9″ baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust
- In a food processor, pulse graham crackers with sugar until they resemble fine crumbs.
- Add melted butter and pulse until the mixture clumps together.
- Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using your palm or a flat-bottomed cup.
- Whip the Cheesecake
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar on medium-high until silky and light, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla until fully incorporated.
- Spread the cheesecake batter evenly over the crust layer.
- Craft the Pecan Topping
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, cream, butter, and salt.
- Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and let bubble for exactly 1 minute.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, then fold in the pecans.
- Allow the mixture to cool briefly, then spoon it evenly over the cheesecake, pouring slowly to prevent sinking.
- Bake & Chill
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and layers to firm up.
- Serve
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the chilled block from the pan.
- Slice into squares and enjoy each buttery, creamy, nut-studded bite!
Notes
Tips & Storage
- Homemade vs. Store-bought Crumbs: You can buy pre-crushed graham crumbs or place whole crackers in a zip-top bag and smash with a rolling pin.
- No-Stick Removal: Line your pan and lightly spray the parchment for effortless bar removal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars freeze beautifully in airtight bags—thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Additional Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Calories: 263kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 119mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 39mg