Nutty Cream Cheese Bars
Nutty Cream Cheese Bars combine a buttery cake base with a creamy, sweet topping and crunchy pecans, perfect for dessert lovers and gatherings needing a rich, satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cake mix, 3/4 cup chopped pecans, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a greased and floured 9x13-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the pressed cake mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup chopped pecans on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Cool, refrigerate, and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of walnuts and pecans. If you want a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you prefer a sweeter bar, add a touch more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect for dessert or as a snack paired with coffee or tea. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make a delicious addition to potlucks or parties alongside other desserts like Dacey Cinnamon Cookies or Naomi Chocolate Fudge.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Nutty Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nutty Cream Cheese Bars contains roughly 564 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).
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 cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or spice, to create different variations of these bars. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly, so choose a mix that pairs well with the cream cheese layer.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make Nutty Cream Cheese Bars gluten-free, simply substitute the Duncan Heinz yellow butter cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the butter and cream cheese, are certified gluten-free to maintain the integrity of your dish.
Can I add other toppings to the bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or shredded coconut on top before baking for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the added sweetness, especially if you already increased the sugar in the cream cheese layer.
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).