These Pecan Cream Cheese Dessert Bars are a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of creamy cheesecake, crunchy pecans, and fruity blueberry pie filling. With a buttery, crumbly crust made from chopped pecans and cream cheese, and a light, fluffy topping of Cool Whip, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering or as an after-dinner delight, these bars will surely impress!

Ingredients

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups plain or all-purpose flour
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 I-ounce tub Cool Whip
• 2 21-ounce cans blueberry pie filling (or any fruit pie filling of your choice)

Procedure

1. Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed and the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This may take 2-3 minutes.
5. Fold in the Cool Whip gently until the mixture is fully combined and fluffy.
6. Assemble the Dessert: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pecan crust. Use a spatula to smooth it into a layer.
7. Open the cans of blueberry pie filling and spoon it evenly over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out with a spoon for an even distribution.
8. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
9. Once chilled, cut into bars and serve cold.

Cook’s Notes

• You can easily swap the blueberry pie filling for other fruit flavors like cherry, strawberry, or peach for a personalized twist.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top before refrigerating.
• This dessert can be made a day ahead to save time and ensure it sets properly.

Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors in these Pecan Cream Cheese Dessert Bars!