Handheld bars are some of our favorite treats for casual parties or gatherings, especially around the holidays, because they are easier to eat by hand. Some of our other favorites are Carmelitas (Oatmeal, Chocolate, Caramel Bars), Oatmeal Fudge Bars, and Lemon Meringue Pie Bars. Did you know that pecans are the official state nut of Alabama? Pecan trees are actually native to North America and the word pecan is Algonquian for “requires a stone to crack.” I have a series called American Eats where I’m visiting some of the foods states are known for and these pecan pie cheesecake bars are representing for Alabama!
Why we love these bars
If you love pecan pie and cheesecake, then these handheld pecan pie cheesecake bars should win you over easily. The tops and edges of these cheesecake squares are chewy (edge pieces are my favorite) with crunchy pecans in every bite. Plus, who doesn’t love a graham cracker crust? The smooth, creamy cheesecake layer in the middle is the perfect compliment in flavor and texture to the sweet pecan topping! They are a perfect Thanksgiving dessert for anybody who isn’t a fan of pie. No need for a water bath or other fussy cheesecake techniques.
Ingredient Notes
Cream cheese: For best results, I recommend using full-fat cream cheese that you allow to come up to room temperature for half an hour on the counter. This helps it mix in better so you don’t end up with clumps of solid cream cheese in the cheesecake batter. Graham crackers: You can use full sheets of graham crackers and pulse them into crumbs or just buy a box of graham cracker crumbs at the store to save yourself a little time. Pecans: We love pecans and obviously pecan pie is what we are going for with these bars, but really you could sub any kind of nut you like. I think macadamia nuts would be really excellent in this dessert as well!
How to Make this Recipe
Because there are 3 components to these bars, the recipe may look a little daunting, but I promise these aren’t an overly complicated dessert. Here’s how to make the pecan pie cheesecake bars:
Recipe Tips
Storage: These will last for 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste amazing cold straight out of the fridge. Freezing: You can freeze these bars once they have cooled completely. I recommend wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then storing in an airtight container. Let the bars thaw on the counter at room temperature or in the fridge overnight before serving. Go slow when adding the pecan pie layer. If you pour it onto the cheesecake layer, the pecan pie mixture will sink to the bottom. By spooning it on gently, this helps keep a more distinct layer on top. Line your pan. Be sure to line the bottom and sides of your pan with a parchment paper sling so it’s easy to remove the bars. Otherwise the pecan mixture really wants to stick to the sides and it can be difficult to remove the bars cleanly.
More Pecan Recipes
Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Southern Pecan Pralines Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies Easy Caramel Pecan Brownies Classic Southern Pecan Pie
This post was originally published in May, 2018. The photos and content were updated in November, 2021. Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
More States I Have Visited in my American Eats Series
Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • New Jersey • New York • Oregon • Puerto Rico • South Carolina • South Dakota • Texas • Utah • Wisconsin
