Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and crunchy pecans with our Pecan Cheesecake Squares. These decadent squares offer a nutty twist to the classic cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a sweet ending to a meal or shared at gatherings, these squares are sure to be a hit among cheesecake enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
For the Crust:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare Crust Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press into Pan:
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even and compact crust.
- Bake Crust:
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, eggs (one at a time), and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Spread Over Crust:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
For the Pecan Topping:
- Mix Pecan Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup (if using). Mix until the pecans are coated.
- Spread Over Cheesecake:
- Spread the pecan topping evenly over the cheesecake filling.
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly. Let the pecan cheesecake squares cool completely in the pan.
- Chill and Slice:
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the chilled cheesecake out of the pan. Slice into squares.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve these Pecan Cheesecake Squares chilled and savor the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and nutty pecans.
Enjoy the irresistible joy of our Pecan Cheesecake Squares with your loved ones. These squares offer a pleasing fusion of textures and flavors with their buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and crunchy pecan topping. These decadent squares are a delightful way to savor the traditional charm of cheesecake with a nutty twist, and they’re ideal for dessert tables or special occasions. 🍰🥧🌰✨