Indulge in the decadent allure of Butter Pecan Cream Cheese Bars—an irresistible dessert that perfectly combines a buttery pecan-studded crust with a velvety cream cheese filling. This easy-to-make treat starts with a rich brown sugar and butter base, topped with crunchy pecans for a satisfying texture. The smooth cream cheese layer, lightly sweetened and infused with vanilla, bakes to golden perfection, creating a dreamy contrast of flavors and textures in every bite. Ready in under an hour, including bake time, these bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weekday indulgence. Refrigerate before slicing for clean, beautiful layers, and watch them disappear at your next dessert table!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved and smooth. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and kosher salt. Pour in the butter and brown sugar mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the top of the dough, pressing them in gently so they adhere.
Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cream cheese layer is set and slightly golden at the edges.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
Slice into 16 bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Calories |
4878 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 303.5 g | 389% | |
| Saturated Fat | 114.5 g | 572% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 663 mg | 221% | |
| Sodium | 992 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 513.2 g | 187% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.7 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 307.7 g | ||
| Protein | 61.4 g | 123% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 546 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 17.5 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 1556 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.