Pecan Cheesecake Squares are the perfect sweet and salty treat! With a shortbread bottom, sweet cheesecake center and salty and sweet pecan pie topping it’s a treat that you will crave!
These Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars will be a hit at any gathering! They are perfect for Mothers Day, Easter, Christmas and of course Thanksgiving!
How Long Does this Recipe Take to Make?
The recipe seems like it will take forever and may seem complicated and overwhelming, but it is really simple, it just takes a bit of time to bake each layer! Trust me once you eat these Pecan Pie Cheesecake Squares you will be hooked!
You will make and bake each layer, starting with the shortbread layer. Then the sweet creamy cheesecake and finally the pecan pie topping!
Plan on this taking about an hour and a half! It is worth every minute tho!
Shortbread Pecan Cookie Bottom
Grease a 9×13 baking pan, and heat your oven to 350 degrees.
First, you need to crush your pecans. They need to be finely chopped. I throw my pecans in a zip top bag and use my meat mallet to crush them).
In a medium bowl, add your flour, softened butter, and brown sugar.
Mix it all together until it is a crumbly mixture.
Then add the crushed pecans and mix them in.
Then press it into your 9×13 baking pan. Bake it for 10 minutes then let it cool while you make the cheesecake layer.
The Cheesecake Center
The cheesecake layer is simple.
All you need is cream cheese (softened), brown sugar, milk and vanilla extract.
Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, mix/beat it until it is smooth. You can also use a hand mixer.
Next, spread the cheesecake mixture on your shortbread crust. Put it back into the oven for 15 minutes. Let it cook and then cool while you make your Pecan Pie layer.
Pecan Pie Topping
Pecan Pie can be intimidating but it is so easy!
First, take your brown sugar, light corn syrup, and melted (but cooled) butter and mix it together.
Then slowly add in your beaten eggs. Mix until combined.
Then add your salt, vanilla extract, and pecans. I just use more of the crushed pecans, but you can use whole pieces. Stir it all together.
Spread this pecan mixture over the cheesecake layer.
Finally, put it back in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until it is set in the middle and the pecan pie layer turns a rich golden brown.
Take it out of the oven and let it cool. Cut into squares and enjoy!
You will love this dessert and it will become a new family favorite! It is sweet with a bit of salty notes and is super yummy.
Store in the refrigerator and take it out to let it soften before serving.
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For some more sweet treats try my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, No Bake Oreo Cheesecake, or my Lemon Crumble Cheesecake Bars.
Here are some products I used to make this recipe!
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Perfect Pecan Cheesecake Squares
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Layer
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened, room temperature
- ½ cup finely chopped/crushed pecans see notes
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pecan Pie Layer
- ¾ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ⅓ cup butter, melted than cooled a bit
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, whole or chopped/crushed see notes
Instructions
For the Shortbread Layer
- Preheat your oven to 350℉. Prepare/grease a 9×13 baking pan/dish.
- In a medium bowl, add the flour, brown sugar and softened butter. Mix until crumbly and well combined. Add the chopped/crushed pecans, mix well. Press into your greased 9×13 pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool while you make the cheesecake layer.
For the Cheesecake Layer
- In a mixer, mix your cream cheese until smooth. Then add your sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix well. Pour over the shortbread layer and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool while you make the pecan pie layer.
For the Pecan Pie Layer
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, corn syrup and melted/cooled butter. mix well. Slowly add in your beaten eggs and mix well. Add your salt and vanilla, mix well. Add your pecans (whole or chopped depending on your preference.) Mix well. Pour over the cheesecake layer and bake again for 35-40 minutes or until the center of the pecan pie layer is set and the pecan layer is a rich brown color. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
