Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
• In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pecans, and granulated sugar. Stir to combine.
• Add melted butter to the crumb mixture and stir until evenly coated.
• Evenly spread and press the buttered crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and lower oven temperature to 325°F.
• In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and cornstarch.
• In a stand mixer or large bowl with a handheld mixer on low, beat cream cheese and sour cream for 1-1.5 minutes until smooth.
• Keep mixer on low. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture to the cream cheese. Mix for another 1-1.5 minutes until well incorporated.
• Add vanilla extract and mix until just incorporated.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Mix until just uniform in color with no yellow streaks visible.
• Evenly spoon the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth with an offset spatula. Gently tap the pan to release air pockets. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven and crack the door. Let bars rest in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
• While cheesecake chills, prepare the pecan topping. In a 2-3 quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in Karo syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Whisk constantly for 5-7 minutes until sugars are melted and mixture reaches a low boil. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans. Let topping cool completely.
• Once cheesecake bars are chilled for 4 hours, remove from refrigerator. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from the baking dish.
• Spoon the cooled pecan topping over the cheesecake layer.
• Slice into 16 bars (4x4). Store chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.