Cheesecake Praline Squares
Taste of Home
- try a FREE ISSUE today!
A smooth cheesecake layer, a nutty crust, and a praline-like topping make this dessert extra special. I fix these squares often for friends or when my big Italian family gets together.
-Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania
SERVINGS: 15
CATEGORY: Dessert
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 1 hour + chilling
Ingredients:
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- FILLING:
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- TOPPING:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, butter, pecans and confectioners' sugar. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 20-24 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the milk, vanilla and lemon peel. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust.
Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar and cream. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in pecans and vanilla. Pour over cheesecake. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Cut into squares. Yield: 15 servings.