Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

shared by Dara P.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar, divided
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups finely chopped pecans, divided
2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. For the shortbread layer:  In a medium bowl, combine flour and 3/4 cup brown sugar.
3. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in 1/2 cup pecans.
5. Press mixture evenly into bottom of a greased 9 X 13 baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
7. For the cheesecake layer: Place the cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixture outfitted with a paddle attachment and beat at medium speed until smooth.
8. Beat in sugar; add milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla and beat until combined.
9. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled shortbread layer.  Bake for 15 minutes; remove from the oven and cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
10. For the pecan pie layer:  In a medium bowl, comine the remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar, corn syrup and melted butter.
11. Gently stir in the eggs, salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
12. Stir in 1 1/2 cups pecans.  Pour pecan mixture over cooled cheesecake layer.
13. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until center is set and pecan pie layer is a rich brown color.