CHEESECAKE PRALINE SQUARES

Cheesecake Praline Squares image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

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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 zest
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
TOPPING:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup chopped pecans
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, butter, pecans and confectioners' sugar. Press into an ungreased 13x9-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 zest. 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 small 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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 582 calories, Fat 37g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 137mg cholesterol, Sodium 231mg sodium, Carbohydrate 57g carbohydrate (40g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.