Pecan Cream Cheese Bars
Creamy pecan and cream cheese layered bars with a buttery cake crust, perfect for satisfying sweet tooths and entertaining guests with rich, nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup margarine, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup chopped pecans.
- Beat until the mixture is combined and crumbly.
- Pat the mixture into an ungreased 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the remaining 2 eggs, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the top of the filling.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute reduced-fat cream cheese. Make sure to not overmix the crust to keep it crumbly. To enhance the pecan flavor, toast them lightly before adding to the mixture. This step is especially effective in recipes like Prize Brownies where nuts play a key role.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect as a sweet treat for gatherings, and they pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also explore similar sweet treats like Elizabeth's Dessert Bars for more dessert inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pecan Cream Cheese Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Cream Cheese Bars contains roughly 268 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 23g 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 cake mix?
Yes, you can use a chocolate or even a spice cake mix to create different flavor profiles for the crust. Just be mindful of how the flavors will blend with the cream cheese filling. Experimenting with flavors can lead to unique combinations that might surprise you.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the filling is set and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just let them cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when served.
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).