Cheesecake Praline Squares

From Taste of Home

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 15

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  cup butter, melted
• 2⁄3 cup  finely chopped pecans
• 2  tablespoons confectioners' sugar

• FILLING

• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 2⁄3 cup sugar
• 1 (14 ounce) can 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

1. In a 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.
2. In a large mixing 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.
3. 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.