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Single Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bar square on a white plate showing the dense pale ivory cheesecake and crunchy pecan topping. (Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars)

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars with a Glossy Amber Caramel Glaze

Decadent Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, dense ivory cheesecake filling, and a crunchy toasted pecan topping submerged in a glossy amber caramel glaze. The perfect holiday dessert mashup for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts, Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Crust
  • 2 cups (250g) All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (226g) Unsalted butter Cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup (100g) Granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) Salt
Cheesecake Filling
  • 24 oz (680g) Cream cheese Softened, full-fat
  • 3/4 cup (150g) Granulated sugar
  • 3 large Eggs Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120g) Sour cream Full-fat
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Vanilla extract
Pecan Topping
  • 1 cup (200g) Light brown sugar Packed
  • 1/2 cup (113g) Unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Heavy cream
  • 2 cups (225g) Pecans Halves and chopped, toasted

Equipment

  • 1 9x9 inch Square Baking Pan Lined with parchment paper
  • 1 Stand Mixer With paddle attachment
  • 1 Medium Saucepan For the caramel glaze

Instructions
 

Prepare the Shortbread Base
  1. Pulse cold butter, flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor until crumbly.
  2. Press into a 9x9 pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden.
Create the Filling
  1. Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time on low speed.
  2. Fold in sour cream and vanilla. Pour over crust and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35-40 minutes.
Finish with Topping
  1. Melt brown sugar, butter, and cream in a saucepan until bubbling and glossy amber.
  2. Stir in toasted pecans and pour over cooled cheesecake. Chill for 4+ hours before slicing.

Notes

Always use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, ivory filling without lumps.
Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between each cut for professional bakery-style squares.
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