Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

 Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

 Ingredients

1. Pecan Crust Layer:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

2. Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

3. Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
• Pinch of salt

 Instructions

1. Prepare the crust:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Mix flour, brown sugar, melted butter, pecans, vanilla, and salt.
3. Press mixture into a lined baking pan (8×8 or 9×9).
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.

2. Make cheesecake layer:

1. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
3. Pour over baked crust and spread evenly.

3. Bake:

• Bake for 25–30 minutes until the center is just set.
• Remove and let cool completely.

4. Prepare pecan topping:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter.
2. Add brown sugar, cream, maple syrup, and salt.
3. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thick.
4. Stir in toasted pecans.

5. Assemble:

• Pour pecan topping over cooled cheesecake layer.
• Spread evenly.

 Chill & Serve:

• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
• Cut into bars and serve cold or at room temperature.