Description
These Caramel Pecan Cranberry Cheesecake Bars are a dreamy Thanksgiving dessert idea layered with sweet and tangy cream cheese filling, a chewy graham cracker pecan crust, and a caramel-drenched cranberry topping. Ideal for holiday parties or as a make-ahead dessert for a crowd, this easy recipe blends textures and flavors in each rich bite. If you’re looking for new fall food ideas or crowd-pleasing desserts, this one’s a showstopper.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for crust)
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9″ baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Press into pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool.
3. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, then eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract and flour. Pour over crust.
4. Bake cheesecake layer for 30–35 minutes until center is set but slightly jiggly. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
5. In a saucepan, heat brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter over medium. Stir until bubbling and thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in cranberries and chopped pecans.
6. Let topping cool 5 minutes, then spread over chilled cheesecake layer. Chill another 30 minutes.
7. Slice into 12 bars. Drizzle with extra caramel if desired and serve.
Notes
Let the cheesecake cool completely before adding topping.
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
Bars are best after a full chill overnight for clean slicing and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving dessert, cheesecake bars, cranberry pecan dessert, caramel cheesecake, easy holiday dessert