Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Bars

Short Description

Decadent and rich, these cheesecake bars feature a buttery crust topped with silky cheesecake filling, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. They offer all the indulgence of cheesecake in easy-to-serve, bite‑sized bars—perfect for gatherings or dessert lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, smooth cheesecake layer that balances beautifully with the sweet caramel and toasted pecans.

• A wonderful mix of textures: soft filling, crisp crust, and crunchy nuts.

• Bars are relatively easy to make and serve—no slicing a whole cheesecake.

• They make great make‑ahead desserts—chill, slice, serve.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Crust: vanilla wafers (or wafer cookies), finely crushed

• Melted butter

• Cream cheese, softened

• Granulated sugar

• Sour cream

• All‑purpose flour

• Vanilla extract

• Eggs, at room temperature

• Pecans, divided (some chopped for crust, some halves or pieces for topping)

• Caramel sauce (store‑bought or homemade)

• Optional: chocolate drizzle (semi‑sweet chocolate) for garnish

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Directions

1. Prepare the Crust

   • Preheat the oven to about 325°F (163°C).

   • Combine crushed vanilla wafers and chopped pecans with melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13‑inch (or similarly sized) baking pan. For easier removal later, line the pan with foil or parchment. Chill or refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

   • In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.

   • Mix in sour cream, flour, and vanilla until well combined.

   • Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each is incorporated. Avoid over‑mixing.

   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust.

3. Bake

   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the center is almost set (slightly jiggly is fine).

   • Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.

4. Add Caramel & Pecans

   • Once cooled, spread caramel sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the reserved pecan halves or pieces. If desired, melt chocolate and drizzle on top.

5. Chill

   • Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to fully set before cutting into bars.

6. Serve

   • Use foil or parchment overhang to lift the set bars from the pan. Slice with a hot, clean knife for clean edges.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: approx. 24 bars (depending on how large you cut each piece) That Skinny Chick Can Bake+1

• Prep time: about 20‑30 minutes Recipe Girl®+1

• Bake time: around 40‑45 minutes That Skinny Chick Can Bake+1

• Chill time: at least 4 hours, preferably overnight so the bars fully set That Skinny Chick Can Bake+2Recipe Girl®+2

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Variations

• Nut substitutions: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.

• Crust changes: Swap vanilla wafers for graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or chocolate cookies for different flavour bases.

• Salted caramel version: Use salted caramel sauce or sprinkle sea salt over caramel for contrast.

• Chocolate topping: Add a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate ganache instead of or in addition to the caramel drizzle.

• Mini version: Bake in a smaller pan (e.g. 8×8 inch) for fewer bars; adjust baking time slightly.

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Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. These bars will keep well for up to 5–7 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze either the bars whole (wrapped well) or individual slices. Freeze for up to 2‑3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

• Reheating: If you prefer a slightly warmer serving, allow to sit at room temperature for about 20‑30 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may affect texture and cause the caramel to run too much.

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FAQs

What type of pan should I use for these bars?

A 9×13‑inch baking pan works well. Line it with foil or parchment paper with overhang if possible—it makes removal and slicing much easier.

Do I need to use a water bath (bain‑marie) when baking the cheesecake layer?

It’s not strictly essential for bars, but using a water bath can help prevent cracking and ensure even baking. If you choose not to, bake at stable low temperature and avoid rapid temperature changes.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure the crust is baked or chilled to set before adding the cheesecake filling. Also, using a liner and lifting the bars from the pan helps. Proper refrigeration after baking also helps maintain structure.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. These bars do very well when made a day ahead. The chilling overnight improves texture and flavour. Caramel may settle or thicken slightly, but that’s fine.

Can I use light or reduced‑fat cream cheese or sour cream?

Yes, but the texture and richness will change. Reduced‑fat versions may be less creamy, slightly more fragile, and may not set as firmly.

What kind of caramel sauce works best?

A thick, rich caramel that’s pourable but not too runny is ideal. Homemade caramel or a high‑quality store‑bought version both work. Salted caramel adds nice balance.

How do I get clean slices when cutting?

Use a sharp knife and dip in hot water, wipe dry between cuts. Chilling the bars very well before slicing will help keep edges neat.

Can I skip nuts for a nut‑free version?

You can omit pecans altogether, but you lose part of the texture and flavour. If safe, you might try toasted seeds (like pumpkin seeds) for crunch instead.

Should ingredients be room temperature?

Yes. Cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream should all be at room temperature to ensure smooth texture and prevent lumps or over‑mixing issues.

Why did my cheesecake crack or sink in the center?

Common causes: over‑mixing, high baking temperature, or fast cooling. To avoid this, bake at moderate temperature, mix until just combined, cool gradually, and refrigerate properly.

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Conclusion

These Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Bars are a luxurious dessert that deliver indulgence in every bite. With their creamy cheesecake filling, sweet caramel, and crunchy pecans, they strike the perfect balance of flavours and textures. They’re excellent for entertaining, holiday tables, or any time you’re craving something special. If you follow the steps, give them enough chill time, and slice them well, you’ll end up with a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it—without the stress.

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