Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bars

$- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 tablespoon butter Let’s dive into these ingredients. For the crust, graham cracker crumbs create a sweet and crunchy base. The melted butter adds richness, while brown sugar and salt enhance the flavor. In the cheesecake filling, cream cheese is key for a smooth texture. Sugar sweetens the mix, and eggs help it set. Sour cream adds creaminess, while maple syrup gives that lovely flavor. Don’t forget the vanilla extract and pecans for extra taste and crunch. For the topping, more chopped pecans, maple syrup, and butter combine for a sweet finish. These ingredients come together to create a dessert that is both rich and delightful. You can find the full recipe at the end for more detailed steps. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a medium bowl, combine: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Mix until everything is well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. - Place the crust in the oven. - Bake for 8-10 minutes until it turns golden. - Remove from the oven and let it cool. - In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth. - Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar and mix well. - Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. - Add 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Mix until it's smooth. - Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. - Spread it evenly with a spatula. - Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until it is set. - In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. - Add 1 cup of chopped pecans and 1/4 cup of maple syrup. - Stir until the pecans are coated and slightly toasted. - Once the cheesecake bars cool to room temperature, spread the pecan topping over the top. - Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. - Cut into square bars and serve. Enjoy with a drizzle of extra maple syrup if you like! For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Use fresh graham cracker crumbs for best results. - Ensure butter is fully melted to help bind the crust. When I make the crust, I crush the graham crackers finely. This way, I get a smooth and even base. Fresh crumbs hold together better. Also, melted butter works as glue. It keeps everything in place. If your butter is not melted, the crust may crumble. - Soften cream cheese for easier mixing. - Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks in filling. I take the cream cheese out early so it warms up. Soft cream cheese mixes smoothly with sugar. If you overmix, air bubbles form. These bubbles can cause cracks when baking. Mix just until everything is combined. - Pair with whipped cream or extra maple syrup. - Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. These bars taste amazing cold. The flavors blend well after chilling. If you love sweet, a drizzle of maple syrup is perfect. A dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess. You can’t go wrong with either! For the full recipe, check the link and enjoy this delicious treat! {{image_2}} You can make this dessert your own. Try using different nuts like walnuts or almonds. Each nut brings a unique taste and texture. You can also add chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds more richness. Both options make these bars even more special. If you need to make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers. This simple swap keeps the taste delicious. For a vegan option, substitute non-dairy cream cheese. This change ensures everyone can enjoy these cheesecake bars. They still taste creamy and rich! Seasonal spices can take this dessert to the next level. Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm flavors. You can also top the bars with seasonal fruits like cranberries or apples. These additions enhance the look and taste. They make your Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bars feel festive and fresh. Store your Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They will last up to one week, so you can enjoy them for days. You can freeze these cheesecake bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you are ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge before serving. This helps keep their creamy texture. To keep your bars fresh, avoid cutting them until you are ready to serve. This helps maintain their shape. Use wax paper for easy removal from the baking dish. This way, you can lift them out without mess. Enjoy your delicious dessert! Yes, they can be made a day ahead for convenience. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Just cover them well in the fridge. They can last up to one week in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Absolutely! Feel free to swap out pecans for your favorite nuts. Walnuts or almonds work well too. Just chop them before adding. Yes, chilling helps set the flavors and texture for the best taste. It makes them firm and easy to cut. Enjoy the full recipe for perfect results! In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bars. We explored the crust, filling, and topping ingredients. We shared step-by-step instructions for perfect results. You learned tips for a flawless crust and creamy filling. We also discussed fun variations and storage tips. These cheesecake bars are easy to make and taste amazing. They will impress your friends and family. Try the recipe, get creative, and enjoy every bite!$

Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the rich flavors of Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bars that are perfect for any occasion! With a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy maple filling topped with crunchy pecans, these dessert bars are a showstopper. Discover the easy steps to create this delicious treat that your friends and family will love.

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Ingredients

For the crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the cheesecake filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup sour cream

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped pecans

For the topping:

1 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking dish to form an even layer.

Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until combined.

Add the eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the sour cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans, mixing until smooth.

Combine filling and crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Bake the cheesecake bars: Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when shaken. Turn off the oven and let the bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.

Prepare the topping: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped pecans and maple syrup, stirring until the pecans are coated and slightly toasted. Remove from heat.

Assemble: Once the cheesecake bars have cooled to room temperature, spread the pecan topping evenly over the top. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best flavor.

Cut and serve: Once chilled, cut into square bars and serve. Enjoy with a drizzle of extra maple syrup if desired!

Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 4 hours | Servings: 12 bars