Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these pecan cheesecake squares! They’re the perfect blend of a deliciously buttery crust and a creamy, dreamy filling that just melts in your mouth. Every time I make them, I’m reminded of family gatherings where these treasures would disappear faster than I could slice them! They’re a real crowd-pleaser, and trust me, the combination of rich cream cheese and crunchy pecans is simply divine. I love how easy they are to whip up, and they always impress guests—whether it’s a holiday, a potluck, or just a cozy night in. So, let’s dive into this recipe that’s become a beloved staple in my home, and I promise, you’ll want to make these again and again!

Ingredients for Pecan Cheesecake Squares

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans, preferably fresh

How to Prepare Pecan Cheesecake Squares

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your pecan cheesecake squares to bake evenly and come out perfectly set.
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are well-coated and clump together nicely.
Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. This will be your delicious crust, so make sure it’s packed down well!
In another large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. You want to avoid any lumps here, so take your time.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’ll see the filling start to turn silky—so satisfying!
Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans. Oh, the aroma is heavenly already!
Pour this luscious filling over your crust, spreading it evenly. It’s going to look so good!
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the center is set. You can tell they’re ready when the edges look firm but the center has a slight jiggle.
Once baked, let them cool at room temperature before popping them in the fridge. Chill for at least 4 hours—if you can wait that long—before cutting them into squares. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super easy to prepare—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
A delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and crunchy pecans that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, these squares are always a hit.
They can be made ahead of time, allowing for stress-free entertaining.
Each square is a luscious bite of comfort that leaves everyone wanting more.
Customizable with various toppings or paired with whipped cream for that extra touch!
They store beautifully, so you can savor them throughout the week.

Tips for Success

Okay, let’s make sure your pecan cheesecake squares turn out absolutely perfect! First off, use high-quality cream cheese; it really makes a difference in the creaminess and flavor. I always opt for brick-style cream cheese instead of the spreadable kind for the best results.

Next, don’t skip the chilling time! I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting them chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can wait) allows those flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to set just right.

Also, when you’re mixing, be gentle with those eggs—overmixing can lead to cracks in your cheesecake when it bakes. And finally, make sure to keep an eye on the bake time. Ovens can vary, so check them a few minutes early to avoid overbaking! Trust me, these little tips will take your squares from good to absolutely amazing!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up these pecan cheesecake squares! For a delightful twist, try swapping out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and crunch, giving you a whole new experience!

Feeling fruity? You can fold in some fresh blueberries or raspberries into the cheesecake filling for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. Or, if you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, how about a swirl of caramel or chocolate throughout the filling? Just drizzle it on top before baking and use a knife to create a beautiful marble effect.

And for those who love a little spice, adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can really elevate the flavors, especially around the holidays. Trust me, the possibilities are endless, and each variation is sure to impress!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving these delectable pecan cheesecake squares, the options are just as delightful as the treats themselves! I love pairing them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top—such a classic and it adds that extra touch of creaminess. You could also serve them with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent finish that’s sure to impress!

For beverages, a warm cup of coffee or a rich espresso complements the creamy cheesecake beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, why not serve them with a dessert wine, like a sweet Riesling or a creamy port? And don’t forget about tea! A nice chai or spiced tea can really enhance those nutty flavors. These pairing ideas will elevate your serving experience and have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional values for these delicious pecan cheesecake squares! Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. Each square has about:

Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 180mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 4g

So, while these squares are a treat, they also pack a bit of richness! Just remember, moderation is key—enjoy every creamy, nutty bite! And hey, they’re perfect for sharing, so you can spread the joy (and the calories) around!

FAQ About Pecan Cheesecake Squares

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about these delicious pecan cheesecake squares! First off, can you store leftovers? Absolutely! Just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld.

What if you don’t have pecans on hand? No problem! You can easily swap them out for walnuts or almonds, and the cheesecake will still be fantastic. And if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can use low-fat cream cheese; just know that the texture might be a smidge less creamy.

Lastly, if you want to make these ahead of time, go for it! They chill beautifully, so feel free to prepare them up to two days in advance. Just remember to let them cool completely before refrigerating!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover pecan cheesecake squares is super simple and keeps them delicious for days! Just place the squares in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. I love how the flavors continue to develop as they sit—so don’t worry if they last a few days!

If you need to store them for even longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’re good to go!

As for reheating, I recommend enjoying them cold straight from the fridge, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them—they’re best served just slightly warm or chilled!

Pecan Cheesecake Squares: 7 Irresistible Comfort Bites

Author: CakesLouna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious pecan cheesecake squares with a buttery crust and creamy filling.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
2 cups cream cheese
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
Pour the filling over the crust.
Bake for 30 minutes or until set.
Let cool and refrigerate before cutting into squares.

Notes

Use fresh pecans for best flavor.
Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Top with whipped cream if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: pecan cheesecake squares

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