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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar The crust gives the bars a solid base. I love using graham cracker crumbs. They add a nice crunch and sweetness. Melted unsalted butter helps bind the crumbs. It also adds rich flavor. The granulated sugar makes the crust just sweet enough. - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup sour cream For the cheesecake layer, I use softened cream cheese. This makes mixing much easier. I blend in granulated sugar for sweetness. Adding eggs one at a time helps keep the mixture smooth. The vanilla extract adds a warm flavor. Sour cream gives the cheesecake a creamy texture. - ½ cup light corn syrup - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup chopped pecans - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The pecan pie layer is rich and sweet. Light corn syrup adds the right texture. Brown sugar brings a deep, caramel flavor. Chopped pecans add crunch and nuttiness. Unsalted butter enhances the taste, while vanilla extract rounds it out. - ½ cup caramel sauce - Extra pecans for garnish For the topping, I use caramel sauce for a sweet finish. It drizzles nicely over the bars. Extra pecans add a lovely touch and crunch. They make the bars look even more inviting. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang. - In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. - Combine until the crumbs feel moist. - Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. - Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. - In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese and ¾ cup granulated sugar until smooth. - Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. - Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ cup sour cream until fully combined. - In another bowl, mix ½ cup light corn syrup, ½ cup packed brown sugar, and ½ cup chopped pecans. - Add 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. - Stir until everything is well blended. - Pour this pecan mixture over the cheesecake layer. Spread it evenly. - Bake the assembled dessert for 30-35 minutes. Look for a bubbly pecan filling. - Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. - Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or overnight for a better texture. - When ready to serve, drizzle ½ cup caramel sauce over the top. - Garnish with extra pecans for a nice touch. - Measure your graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar carefully. Accurate amounts make a better crust. - Mix the crust ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make it tough. - Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs. This helps them blend smoothly. - Mix on low speed until smooth. This avoids air bubbles in your cheesecake. - Taste your pecan filling. You can add more sugar or corn syrup if you like it sweeter. - If you don’t have pecans, try walnuts or almonds. They also give great flavor. {{image_2}} You can make your Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars even more exciting. Adding chocolate chips is a fun way to do this. Just sprinkle about a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the cheesecake layer. The chocolate adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the creamy cheesecake. Another option is to incorporate spices like cinnamon. Adding one teaspoon of cinnamon to the pecan pie layer gives a warm, cozy taste. It enhances the flavor and makes these bars feel extra special. For those who need gluten-free options, you can swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs. Look for brands that are gluten-free to ensure a safe treat. This keeps the crust crunchy while catering to dietary needs. If you want to make a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese. You can also use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water to make one flax egg. This keeps the texture creamy without the dairy. When it comes to serving, picking the best accompaniments is key. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream balances the warm bars perfectly. For a creative presentation idea, cut the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice for a beautiful touch. Adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top enhances the look and taste. To keep your Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them tasty. In the fridge, these bars last about five days. If you freeze them, they can be good for up to three months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If they have an off smell or look discolored, it's best to toss them. To enjoy your cheesecake bars warm, heat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This warms them up without making them soggy. You can also use the microwave for a quick heat-up. Just heat them for 10-15 seconds at a time. To cut cheesecake bars neatly, follow these tips: - Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. - Dip the knife in hot water, then dry it. - Make one cut, then wipe the knife clean for the next. - Chill the bars before cutting; this helps firm them up. - Cut in straight lines, not sawing motions, for a smooth finish. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Here are the best practices: - Bake and cool completely before refrigerating. - Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. - They can last in the fridge for up to five days. - For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. - Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best taste. If you want to substitute pecans, consider these options: - Use walnuts for a similar crunch and taste. - Try almonds for a different flavor profile. - If nuts are not preferred, use seeds like sunflower seeds. - You can also omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. Yes, you can make a gluten-free crust. Here’s how: - Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs. - Use almond flour or gluten-free cookies as a base. - Make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free. - Check labels to ensure no hidden gluten in your ingredients. This blog post covered how to make delicious cheesecake bars with a pecan pie twist. We discussed the key ingredients, from the crust to the toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions so you can follow along easily. Tips and variations help make this recipe your own. Now, you have everything you need to create these tasty treats! Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share your results with friends!

Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars! This delicious combination features a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a rich pecan pie topping, all drizzled with caramel. Perfect for parties or a special treat at home, these bars are sure to impress. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today!
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Ingredients
  

Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup sour cream

Pecan Pie Layer:

½ cup light corn syrup

½ cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup chopped pecans

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

½ cup caramel sauce

Extra pecans for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are moistened.

      Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes and then set aside to cool.

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

          Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.

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

              In another bowl, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract to create the pecan filling. Stir well until blended.

                Carefully pour the pecan layer over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.

                  Bake the entire dessert for an additional 30-35 minutes or until set and the pecan filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature.

                    Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best texture.

                      When ready to serve, drizzle caramel sauce over the top and garnish with extra pecans.

                        Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours (including refrigeration) | Servings: 12 bars