Name: Paleo Pecan Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup raw cashews; 1/4 cup cashew butter; 2 tablespoons brown butter or ghee (melted (coconut oil for vegan)); 6 tablespoons coconut sugar; 1 large egg (or 1 tablespoon chia seeds *SEE NOTES!*); 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked in filtered water overnight or in boiling water for 1 1/2 hours); 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1/2 cup canned coconut milk; 1/2 cup coconut oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3/4 cup pure maple syrup; 3 tablespoons coconut sugar; 1/4 cup coconut oil; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 3/4 cup pecans

These caramel pecan cheesecake bars are easy to make and absolutely delicious. They are perfect, creamy little bites that are great for the holidays but also year round. These cheesecake bars are dairy free, gluten free, and refined sugar free.

Paleo pecan caramel cheesecake bars in a stack

I decided to turn this paleo pecan caramel cheesecake into bars!

Here's what you need to know before you dive into this recipe. Keep in mind, I'm not much of an over-exaggerator.

1) You should probably start getting ready to make a second batch
2) The pecan caramel layer will send you into an orgasmic state
3) They could be the best birthday present / romantic gesture ever

I know that I've already been asked to make these about umpteen more times… both by my friends and family members. I almost want to save another batch for a super special occasion.

I think I like being a bit of a tease. I'm trying to build up the anticipation as much as possible, ya know? ????

Paleo pecan caramel cheesecake bars with two forks

The possibilities are endless with this paleo pecan caramel cheesecake

… and that's not all. Aside from turning this cheesecake into bars, the recipe can be repurposed and tweaked in many different ways.

The recipe for the blondie crust can actually be doubled and made into a full batch of blondies. You can take the middle layer, double that and make an entirely new and delicious dairy free / vegan cheesecake from it.

That caramel pecan topping? Why not make some dark chocolate candies with the caramel pecan oozing from the center?

The possibilities are endless. I'm opening doors, people, and I'm leaving them wide open.

The idea for this recipe came from my friend Kaylie over at Paleo & Gluten Free Eats. She was sharing certain ingredients that were trending this season.

While we were chatting on the phone, I decided it was time to come out with a paleo pecan caramel cheesecake. I mean, yum right?

Paleo pecan caramel cheesecake bars and pecan nuts

More like this:

Easy Vegan Raspberry Cheesecake

No Bake Easy Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake

Gluten Free Vegan Cheesecake Bars

Easy Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake

Paleo cheesecake bars made for royalty

The first time I made a recipe for the blondie base layer of these bars, I knew it was a winner that I could start incorporating into many different bar recipes.

The warmth and nuttiness that the cashews bring accompanied with the brown butter are the perfect accompaniment to the creamy & light cheesecake center.

The decadent pecan caramel layer on top really turns this recipe into an all-star. Bring these bars to your next family or friends gathering- everyone will absolutely flip.

If you have a special occasion or birthday coming up, that's even better! I couldn't think of a better birthday gift than stuffing these paleo cheesecake bars down my throat.

A batch of pecan caramel cheesecake bars on a counter

DO NOT SHARE, TRUST ME

I am actually still debating what to do with the rest of these incredible bars. My husband keeps assuring me that I don't need to share them with anyone else. Well, it's not really an assurance- more like a threat. He really digs these things.

A content creation client of mine has an office nearby in San Diego, and I teased her a bit, letting her know I'd have some extra paleo treats these week.

I may have to sneak some bars out of the freezer and into my car for delivery. I know the hubs will be displeased.

The real issue is that we don't have any friends that live nearby. All of our friends are 45 minutes to 1 hour+ away from us. If this paleo pecan caramel cheesecake isn't enough incentive to move closer, I don't know what is!

Be sure to whip up these cheesecake bars as soon as you possibly can. In fact, my husband has already requested that I get started on a 2nd batch… just for him.

Best Dairy Free Paleo Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Bars. Easy healthy paleo treat. Gluten free dessert recipes. Paleo recipes for beginners.

Paleo Pecan Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Monica Le

Can I even with these paleo pecan caramel cheesecake bars? Do you ever have one of those days where you feel like you've totally outdone yourself? I just did.

4.61 from 23 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Add to Collection

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings bars

Calories 481 kcal

Ingredients

Blondie Crust

½ cup raw cashews
¼ cup cashew butter
2 tablespoons brown butter or ghee melted (coconut oil for vegan)
6 tablespoons coconut sugar
1 large egg or 1 tablespoon chia seeds *SEE NOTES!*
½ tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

Cheesecake Layer

1 ½ cups raw cashews soaked in filtered water overnight or in boiling water for 1 ½ hours
3 tablespoons avocado oil
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
½ cup canned coconut milk
½ cup coconut oil
1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Caramel Pecan Topping

¾ cup pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons coconut sugar
¼ cup coconut oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
¾ cup pecans

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly coat an 8x8" square baking pan with extra fat. Take out an 8x8' baking pan. Measure out the parchment paper to the width of the longest side of the pan (in this case, it's even). Make sure it's long enough to line the entire bottom of the pan, both sides and have a few inches of overhang on either side.
Pulse raw cashews in a food processor, a few seconds at a time, until they resemble a coarse flour. You don't want any visible chunks of cashews. This should take about 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
In the same food processor, mix together the cashew butter, brown butter, coconut sugar, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the cashew flour, baking soda and salt.
Transfer evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use an offset spatula to make this process easier. It will be very sticky. Feel free to spray some extra oil or fat onto the spatula to make the spreading process easier. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Set in the refrigerator to cool.
While the blondie layer is cooling, make the cheesecake layer. Drain the soaked cashews & rinse with cold water. Rinse out and dry the food processor bowl. Combine all of the cheesecake layer ingredients until everything is smooth and creamy. Transfer the cheesecake layer on top of the blondie crust. Place in the freezer to set.
Grab a medium sized saucepan, and combine the coconut sugar and maple syrup over a medium-high flame. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly. Add the pecans and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the mixture reaches between 230°F (110°C). Remove from the heat and stir in the coconut oil and vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
Transfer the caramel pecan mixture to the top of the cheesecake layer and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Place back in the freezer to set overnight.
Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. Serve cold.

Notes

Be sure to bring all of your filling ingredients to room temperature before you begin. Otherwise, your filling will not be smooth!

For VEGAN version: You will be making a chia egg *to replace the regular egg* using the chia seeds and water. Combine them together in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes in the refrigerator to set. When ready, add to the blondie base mixture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 481kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 4gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 20mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25g

I decided to turn this paleo pecan caramel cheesecake into bars!