Pecan Cheesecake Squares Recipe

Ingredients:

For The Shortbread Layer:

3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup butter, softened

For The Cheesecake Layer:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup milk

For The Pecan Pie Layer:

1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 1/2 cups pecans

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

For the shortbread layer: In a medium bowl, combine flour and 3/4 cup brown sugar. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/2 cup pecans. Press mixture evenly into bottom of a greased 9x13" baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes; remove from oven, and cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

For the cheesecake layer: Place the cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer outfitted with a paddle attachment, and beat at medium speed until smooth. Beat in sugar. Add milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla, and beat until combined. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled shortbread layer. Bake for 15 minutes; remove from oven and cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

For the pecan pie layer: In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar, corn syrup, and melted butter. Gently stir in the eggs, salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir in 1 1/2 cups pecans. Pour pecan mixture over cooled cheesecake layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until center is set and pecan pie layer is a rich brown color.