These buttery rich Butter Pecan Cheesecake Bars are a cheesecake twist on butter pecan cookie bars. They begin with a butter pecan cake mix crust that's embellished with toasted pecans then smothered with a caramel cheesecake filling. The top is sprinkled with toffee bits and more pecans then they're baked until gooey and golden. Allow to cool to room temperature then chill until serving.
Easy Butter Pecan Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If the title of a recipe begins with butter and it's followed by pecan and cheesecake, it's a win for me. These bars are made in a similar fashion as gooey butter cakes a.k.a. chess bars. Those two desserts are basically interchangeable in the South. Regardless of what they're called, each version is delicious.
How to Make the Best Butter Pecan Cheesecake Bars Recipe
The filling of these decadent cheesecake bars is luscious. While I do love chocolate if I had to choose my sweet fix of choice my true love is caramel and caramel-like desserts. If they're topped with toffee bits and pecans well, it's just a match made in heaven as far as I'm concerned. That's reflected in this recipe.
- Ingredients you'll need to make homemade Butter Pecan Cheesecake Bars: One box butter pecan cake mix, caramel flavored baking chips, chopped pecans, toffee bits (i.e. bits-o-brickle), large eggs, plain cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, heavy cream.
- Kitchen tools you'll need: A 13 x 9 inch baking dish, a sheet pan to toast the pecans, medium bowl, hand mixer or stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a rubber spatula.
- When combining the ingredients for each layer, there's no need to begin each time with a clean bowl and beaters The ingredients will combine while baking and become a delicious butter pecan amalgamation.
- It's important to allow the cream cheese ample time at room temperature to soften. this will ensure that it blends with the other ingredients and maintains it's smooth texture.
- The crust of these butter pecan cheesecake bars is a cake mix making them super easy to make for bakers of all skill levels. It's important to use the right kind to get the full butter pecan flavor.
- Don't be tempted to overbake the filling. To test it, the center should be set, but still have a bit of movement when the pan is gently shaken.
- Cool the cheesecake bars completely in the pan on a cooling rack then chill before attempting to cut into squares for serving. Once thoroughly chilled, then cut and serve.
- Store Butter Pecan Cheesecake Bars chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
More Cheesecake Recipes to Make
Just the mention of desserts and cheesecake is bound to be among the most favorite. More cheesecake desserts you're sure to love:
- Dreamy Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake with a Nutter Butter Crust.
- Homemade Red Velvet Cheesecake is a delicious way to say "I love you".
- No Bake Cherry Cheesecake is an easy to make vintage pie.
- Double Chocolate Cheesecake is creamy and guaranteed to thrill the chocolate fans at your table.
- Decadent Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Bars.
- Island inspired Key Lime Cheesecake.
- Holiday ready Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Pie.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Wontons from Barbara Bakes.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Butter Pecan Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 oz Butter Pecan Cake Mix
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup chopped pecans plus 2 tablespoon divided
- 1 10 oz package caramel baking chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup bits-o-brickle toffee chips
- Whipped cream optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Spread 1 cup chopped pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 6-8 minutes. Cool. (Remaining 2 tablespoon NOT toasted reserved for the top)
- Place the caramel chips and heavy cream in microwave safe bowl. Melt in 30 second increments stopping to stir each time. Repeat until smooth.
- Using an electric mixer, beat together the cake mix, 1 large egg and 1 stick melted butter. Mix until fully moistened then mix-in ½ cup toasted chopped pecans. Press evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In the same mixing bowl cream together the cream cheese and vanilla for 1 minute. Drizzle in the melted caramel. Beat until smooth on medium-high.
- Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.
- Lower the speed of the mixer and gradually add the powdered sugar. After all has been added, increase to medium-high beating for 1 minute or until completely smooth and slightly thickened.
- Fold in the remaining ½ cup toasted pecans. (Remember, 2 tablespoon have been reserved for the topping that are NOT toasted)
- Pour the filling over the crust. Sprinkle the top with toffee bits and 2 tablespoon chopped pecans.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until puffed and the center is set when gently shaken. Do not over bake.
- Cool completely and chill. Serve dusted with powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Store leftovers chilled
Nutrition
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Pamella Gassner
Are the caramel baking chips like chocolate chips or are the caramel bits that people use instead of unwrapping a bunch of caramels? I have only been able to find sea salt caramel chips. would those work? thanks this sounds delicious
Melissa
The caramel chips are like chocolate chips, yes. Sea salt caramel chips will work fine!
Pamella
Thank you I am making it this weekend for my Bible study group!
Jeri
Thank you so much for this recipe, it's easy and one of my favorite desserts to share with my neighbors. In fact, they often ask when I'll be making them again!
Ashtyn
Can I make this without an electric mixer?
Melissa
This may be difficult to make without a mixer but, you can.
Cucci
Looks amazing! I was trying to recreate the dish and wondered how do you make the Butter Pecan Cake Mix. Could you let me know the proportions, please? Thank you!! 🙂
Melissa
You purchase the butter pecan cake mix. It comes in a box.
Cucci
Ah ok, thanks for getting back to me 🙂 it's not something that you can buy over here in the Netherlands, that's why I was wondering.
Melissa
Oh, I see. Hmmm, I'm not sure what you may have in your market that could be adapted, sorry. Thanks so much for visiting from the Netherlands!
Arlene
Cucci,
Since the butter pecan cake mix is not available in the Netherlands you might try using your favorite short crust recipe and add 1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans. This would be in addition to the pecans stated in the original recipe.
Linda
Where do you find caramel baking chips? I can't find them in any stores.
Melissa
I find them at our local Walmart.
Linda
Thanks Melissa! Is there a specific brand that you buy?
Melissa
They don't carry multiple brands of this flavor.
Lena
HI there,
Do you think this will hold in greased cupcake liners in a cupcake pan?Thanks!
Melissa
I don't think this recipe would work in cupcake liners.
Janet Walsh
OMG this recipe is seriously to die for!!! I bring treats to work every Friday and everyone raved about them. "The BEST thing you've ever shared with us!" One lady said, "On my last day on earth, please make me this dessert!" She wasn't joking. After making 2 batches of this recipe, I would change only one thing, I would add the 1/2 c. toasted pecans to the dry cake mix in the bowl rather than stirring in after mixing. The pecans incorporate MUCH easier in the beginning of the mix, rather than just pool in the bottom of the mixing bowl. Too difficult to stir by hand. Other than that little helpful tip, the recipe will forever be my go-to, no-fail hit!
Melissa
I'm delighted you all enjoyed this one, thanks so much!
Gail C
They are totally awesome. Made some and handed them out and those that didnt get one wanted to the recipe just so they could make them and have some.
Melissa
Awesome, I'm glad you loved these!
Mikel
Oh wow, you are speaking all of my love languages with these! They look so good, I can't wait to try bake them!
Lori @ RecipeGirl
I'd eat far too many of these. Can't wait to make them!
Mary
This looks so good, I hope to make it soon!