CHOCOLATE PECAN CHEESECAKE BARS

Ingredients

  • 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 & 1/2 cups firmly packed brown
  • sugar, divided into 3/4 cup portions
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups finely chopped pecans,
  • divided into 1/2 cup & 1 & 1/2 cups
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, divided
  • 4 ounces semisweet or milk
  • chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease or spray with non-stick cooking spray a 13 x 9" baking pan.

Combine flour and 3/4 cup brown sugar. Cut in softened butter until mixture is crumbly. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Press mixture into bottom of pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, combine cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add 1 egg and beat until combined. Stir in chocolate and vanilla extract. Pour over baked crust. Bake 15 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Whisk together 3/4 cup brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and 3 eggs. Stir in 1 & 1/2 cups chopped pecans. Pour over ceam cheese mixture. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until center is set. Cool completely in pan. Cut into squares and serve.