Description
Imagine sinking your teeth into a creamy cheesecake bar with a buttery pecan crust, a luscious caramel drizzle, and just the right amount of crunch. These Decadent Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Bars are everything you could want in a dessert—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for the perfect indulgence after dinner, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon caramel syrup
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- Caramel syrup, for drizzling
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and chopped pecans until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to create an even crust layer.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sour cream, flour, egg, vanilla extract, and caramel syrup. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Bake the Cheesecake Bars
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and only slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
4. Add the Topping
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer.
- Drizzle caramel syrup over the pecans in a decorative pattern.
5. Slice and Serve
- Lift the cheesecake bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhangs.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve immediately.
Notes
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Bring your cream cheese, sour cream, and egg to room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Pecans: Lightly toast the pecans for extra flavor before incorporating them into the recipe.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Custom Drizzles: Add chocolate or white chocolate drizzles for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American