Source Attribution
Original Cookbook Name:
The Black Family Reunion Cookbook
Published By:
Atria Books (for the National Council of Negro Women)
Year of Publication:
1993
Page Number:
188
Author / Contributor:
Mother Edna (Contributor); National Council of Negro Women (Editor)
Heritage & Cultural Context
This recipe for Mother Edna’s Cheesecake Cookies reflects the home-baked warmth and community-centered traditions celebrated by the National Council of Negro Women through the Black Family Reunion Cookbook. Cheesecake bars like these were a staple at family reunions, church socials, and holiday spreads—desserts that could be prepared ahead and served in generous squares. These cookies merge a nutty, buttery crust with a tangy cheesecake layer, highlighting Southern influences in their use of pecans and simple pantry staples. Dishes like this one were often passed down through generations by matriarchs like “Mother Edna,” whose legacy is honored in every bite.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup butter or margarine
- ⅓ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Cream butter and brown sugar in medium bowl. Add flour and nuts. Mix until crumbs form. Reserve 1 cup for topping. Press remaining crumbs into 8-inch square pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Blend cream cheese and sugar at low speed of electric mixer until smooth. Add egg, milk, lemon juice and vanilla, beating well. Spread over crust. Sprinkle with reserved 1 cup crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares.
Editor’s Note:
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling. Cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
Cultural / Historical Insight
This recipe captures the essence of Black Southern baking traditions where dessert was more than a sweet treat—it was a symbol of family unity and tradition. Using cream cheese in baking became more common in mid-20th century African American homes, influenced by the availability of processed dairy products. The use of pecans ties back to Southern agriculture, where pecan trees were a common and cherished resource in Black farming communities.
Visual Reference
