Praline Cheesecake Squares Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup melted butter, 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans, and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; mix well until crumbly.
2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust is set and light golden brown around the edges.
3. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 packages of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on low to medium speed until smooth.
4. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, beat in 1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla until fully combined.
5. Pour the smooth filling over the baked crust and return it to the 350 degree F oven. Bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes or until the filling is set.
6. Once baked, cool the cheesecake in the pan on a wire rack for a bit.
7. To prepare the topping, combine 1 cup packed brown sugar and 1 cup whipping cream in a medium saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil; then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup chopped pecans and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Pour the luscious topping over the cooled cheesecake.
9. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but up to 24 hours, before serving. When ready, cut into squares for a sweet treat.
10. If you need to transport the squares, cover tightly and place in an insulated cooler with ice packs.