There are desserts that make people stop and say wow—and these Pecan Cheesecake Squares are one of them. Imagine a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, and finished with a gooey, nutty pecan pie topping. It’s like having three favorite desserts in one bite!

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just craving something rich and indulgent, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Layer

1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
1 cup softened butter
½ cup finely chopped pecans

For the Cheesecake Layer

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Pecan Pie Layer

1 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
½ cup light corn syrup
½ cup melted butter, slightly cooled
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Layer

- In a medium bowl, combine the flour and ¾ cup brown sugar.
- Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks crumbly.