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Praline Pecan Cheesecake Bars

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These easy Southern dessert bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a gooey praline pecan topping. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you crave a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir in melted butter until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add sour cream, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and glossy, scraping down sides as needed.
  4. Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled crust and smooth the top.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature (about 1 hour).
  6. Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
  7. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture bubbles and thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and toasted pecans. Let cool for 5-10 minutes.
  8. Pour praline pecan topping evenly over cooled cheesecake layer. Spread gently with a spatula.
  9. Chill bars in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to set.
  10. Lift bars out using parchment overhang. Slice into squares (15-18 bars). Wipe knife between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth filling. Toast pecans for deeper flavor. Chill bars thoroughly before slicing for clean edges. For gluten-free, use GF graham crackers. Bars freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: praline pecan cheesecake bars, southern dessert, easy cheesecake bars, pecan praline, holiday dessert, potluck dessert, creamy cheesecake, nutty bars, caramel topping

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/praline-pecan-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-southern-dessert/