Butter Pecan Cream Cheese Bars
Creamy butter pecan bars with a rich cream cheese filling, crunchy pecans, and a buttery crust, perfect for satisfying sweet tooths and gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, blend 2 cups flour, 2/3 cup brown sugar, and 3/4 cup softened margarine until crumbly.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Press the crumb mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until light golden brown.
- In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Blend in 2 tablespoons flour and 2 eggs until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle butterscotch chips on top of the filling.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is firm to touch.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped pecans. For a different texture, add a sprinkle of sea salt to the cream cheese filling. You can also swap in walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut. This recipe pairs beautifully with Frosted Lime Cheese Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
These Butter Pecan Cream Cheese Bars are delightful on their own but can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also pair nicely with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. For a more festive presentation, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, cut the bars and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at a low temperature until just warmed through, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Pecan Cream Cheese Bars contains roughly 240 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can easily substitute walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just ensure they're chopped to similar sizes for even distribution throughout the bars.
Is it necessary to chill the bars before cutting?
Yes, allowing the bars to cool completely is important as it helps them set properly. Chilling them in the refrigerator for about an hour can make cutting them into neat squares much easier.
Can I freeze these bars for later use?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).