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Decadent Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Easy Bourbon Drizzle

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These bars combine the creamy texture of cheesecake with a crunchy pecan pie topping and a rich bourbon drizzle, perfect for holidays and gatherings. The recipe is quick, easy, and uses simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat)
  • ½ cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted lightly
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup or maple syrup
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes until set and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Place the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth (2-3 minutes). Add pureed cottage cheese and mix to combine. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and flour. Mix just until combined. Pour batter over warm crust and spread evenly.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine chopped toasted pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, beaten egg, and vanilla. Stir until well mixed. Spoon pecan mixture gently over cheesecake layer, spreading evenly.
  5. Bake bars for 45-50 minutes until center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off oven and crack door, letting bars cool inside for 30 minutes to prevent cracks.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  7. In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together bourbon, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and slightly thickened (3-4 minutes). Cool slightly before drizzling over chilled bars.
  8. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry to cut neat squares. Drizzle bourbon sauce over each bar just before serving.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients help prevent lumps. Blend cottage cheese smooth for creaminess. Toast pecans lightly for best flavor. Tap pan before baking to release air bubbles. Chill bars thoroughly before serving. Clean knife between cuts for neat slices. Warm bourbon drizzle gently to avoid thickening or seizing.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie, cheesecake bars, bourbon drizzle, holiday dessert, easy dessert, pecan pie cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, pecan topping

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/decadent-pecan-pie-cheesecake-bars-recipe-with-easy-bourbon-drizzle/