This post is sponsored by Don Victor Honey. All opinions are 100% mine.
Silky cheesecake and a luxurious honey pecan pie topping are the perfect duo in these pecan pie cheesecake bars! They make a great addition to any holiday dessert table.
We’re combining two beloved desserts today and let me tell you, there has never been a better pairing in the history of desserts, period.
Pecan pie + cheesecake bars is pretty much the only thing you need in your life, I’m gonna say it.
We’ve got all the things you love about a classic cheesecake with a graham cracker crust + rich cream cheese filling only this version also has a killer pecan pie topping. It’s life-changing.
Just gonna say it, your holiday dessert table is incomplete without a batch or 10 of this goodness!
These Cheesecake Bars feature…
- A buttery graham cracker crust
- Rich and creamy cheesecake filling
- A caramel-y honey pecan pie topping
- Make ahead options and always a hit at holiday gatherings
Making the Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- 2% or skim milk
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Heavy whipping cream
- Pecans
Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars
- Pre-bake crust – this sets the graham cracker crust up perfectly.
- Pre-bake cheesecake layer – baking the cheesecake layer before adding the pecan layer helps it set up slightly so the pecan topping can be spread on top.
- Use chopped pecans for topping – this makes for easier slicing later.
- Refrigerate bars before serving – we recommend cooling bars completely to room temperature and then chilling at least 2 hours before serving.
- Use parchment paper to remove bars from pan – grasp the parchment paper overhang and gently remove bars from pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Clean knife between cutting bars – Use a kitchen towel to wipe the knife off between each cut for smooth, clean lines.
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on this recipe.
- Use a different nut – try chopped walnuts in place of the pecans.
- Replace honey with maple syrup – this will add a rich, nutty flavor to the bars.
- Try gingersnap crumbs in crust – this adds a warming spice element that’s so delicious!
Storing Bars
These bars store well in the refrigerator up to 6 days. You can slice them ahead of time and place on a plate or keep them in the pan.
For best results, keep bars refrigerated until just before you are ready to serve to keep the cheesecake perfectly chilled and fresh.
Pecan pie bars are an absolute must on any holiday cookie tray, but really? When you throw cheesecake into the mix you KNOW you’ve got a winner. Folks are guaranteed to go “nuts” over these bars.
Give these bars a try this holiday season, guys! You’ll definitely become the most popular person at the party.
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.
Watch these bars made step-by-step on Google web stories.
More cheesecake bars to try next!
- Orange Cranberry Cheesecake Bars
- Coconut Key Lime Cheesecake Bars
- Butterscotch Coffee Cheesecake Bars
Honey Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Pecan Pie Topping
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat oven to 350F and line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper leaving a little overhang. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, tossing until crumbly.
- Press crumb mixture in the bottom and a little ways up the sides of prepared baking dish. Bake crust at 350F 8-10 minutes until a light golden brown. Set aside.
Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar together 1-2 minutes until completely creamy.
- Beat vanilla, and egg into cream cheese until filling is completely smooth. Pour filling over cooled crust. Bake cheesecake at 350F 15-20 minutes until top of cheesecake is just set.
Pecan Pie Topping
- Combine brown sugar, honey, butter, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sauce is bubbly and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, pecans, and beaten egg until evenly combined.
- Carefully spoon pecan pie topping in an even layer over cheesecake filling. Bake cheesecake at 350F an additional 20-25 minutes until cheesecake is golden-brown, yet still slightly jiggly in the very center.
- Allow cheesecake to cool completely on a wire cooling rack, then transfer to fridge to chill 2 hours until completely cold. When ready to serve, cut cheesecake into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe adjustments and photos on 11/8/23.
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
Oh my heavens!! I want these pecan pie bars in my mouth pronto!! These look outrageously delicious Sarah! Pinned!! 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks for pinning and for the sweet compliments, Renee! xxx
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
Cheesecake is my FAVORITE. Cheesecake bars sound perfect and they look so delicious Sarah. Yummy addition to the holiday cookie tray.
Sarah says
Thanks Kathy! Cheesecake is just the bomb.com right?! Can’t beat it in pecan pie form! 😉
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Sarah! These are too good to be true! You just combined my 2 favorite desserts. I must make these right away!
Sarah says
These bars sound perfect for you, Nat! I hope you get around to trying them, girly! 😀
Ashley says
Cheesecake and pecan pie in one??? Holy moly girl! These look delicioussss!
Sarah says
Thanks so much, lady!! 🙂
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Cheesecake and pecan pie?? Girl you are a genius! Those are my two favorites and I love that you made them into bars instead! So much easier to make than a pie (those are my fails). These look perfect and I bet the so-called failed ones look amazing too!
Sarah says
It’s really the best mash-up of the two desserts! Thanks so much Kelly! xoxo 🙂
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
These pecan pie cheesecake bars are seriously some delicious stuff Sarah. I am just loving the look of them especially.. pinned!
Sarah says
Thanks for pinning, Thaila!
Annie @Maebells says
Oh wow!! I am in love with these! What is it about honey and pecans that make that combo so irresistible! 🙂 I am totally in love with the whipped caramel honey, it was by far my favorite! I can’t wait to bake with it! I bet it will add great flavor!
Sarah says
The whipped honey is totally one of my favorite honey products to date! 🙂 Thanks Annie!
marcie says
These look so amazing, Sarah! Pecan pie and cheesecake is a match made in heaven, and I love that they’re in bar form…so much easier to make!
Sarah says
Thanks Marcie! Agreed that pie is a pain to make! Bars are sooo much less fussy. 🙂
Rachael | Spache the Spatula says
These look so unbelievably good! Anything cheesecake has my name allllll over it!
I looove making cheesecake, and my biggest secret is using more than just cream cheese. I usually throw in some mascarpone, creme fraiche, sour cream, or greek yogurt!
Sarah says
Great tips, Rachael! I will definitely have to try adding some of those ingredients next time! 😉
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
Cheesecake is my absolute favorite dessert and these bars look sounds absolutely goooooood! I love you used whole-wheat flour, making these healthier.
Sarah says
Thanks Olivia! If you love cheesecake, these bars are definitely up your alley!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Mm wow this look so so delicious!! Love all those yummy layers – the cheesecake and pecan pie layer sounds amazing, and I love the sound of that whipped honey!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Rachel! xoxo. 🙂
Adriana Martin says
What a delectable recipe, thanks for your participation on this shop #client
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Wow, whipped honey sounds really amazing!! And so do these bars…. Love pecan pie! These are gorgeous! 🙂
Sarah says
It’s the best, Jess! You totally need to try whipped honey. 🙂 Thanks girl!
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
Not a huge fan of pecan pie, but I can totally get on board with these cheesecake bars!
Sarah says
You just couldn’t go wrong with the combo of the two! 😉 Thanks Amber!