Go Back
+ servings

Cheesecake Bars with Pecan Praline Topping

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 15 -18 bars
Author: Mary Ann Dwyer

Ingredients

  • Crust:
  • 2 3/4 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup one stick, unsalted butter. melted
  • Filling:
  • 1 1/2 lb. cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs room temperature, lightly whisked
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Topping:
  • 2 cups pecan roughly chopped and toasted
  • 1/2 cup one stick unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line the bottom and sides with a sheet of parchment paper. Spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Crust: In a large bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Add the butter and stir with a fork until the mixture is totally moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake for 12 minutes Remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool.
  • Filling: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for one minute. Add flour and beat for another minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl when necessary.
  • Add the lightly whisked eggs and beat until fully blended.
  • Add the sour cream and beat for 30 seconds more.
  • Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 40 minutes or until filling is set and doesn't jiggle when pan is shaken. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
  • While pan is cooling, make the topping.
  • Topping: Place the pecans on a baking and toast in a 350 degree oven for 6-7 minutes or until fragrant. In a large saucepan over medium heat, place butter, brown sugar, salt and cream. Bring mixture to a low boil for 4 minutes.Add the toasted pecans to the mixture. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla. Mix until well blended.
  • Pour the praline mixture over the cheesecake. Let cool. When the topping is cool cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-5 hours.
  • Remove cheesecake from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Cut into bars.