A delightful fusion of flavors that captures the essence of fall in every bite. These bars combine the rich, creamy texture of traditional cheesecake with the nutty sweetness of pecans, creating an indulgent treat that's perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
½ cup pecans, chopped
¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gently fold in the toasted pecans into the cheesecake mixture.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
For the topping, combine the chopped pecans and maple syrup in a small bowl. Spread this mixture over the chilled cheesecake before slicing into bars.
