Description
Pecan pie bars offer a delightful Southern dessert perfect for busy bakers. Buttery graham cracker crust and rich caramel-like filling create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) pecan halves
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (226 g or 8 oz) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (16 oz or 454 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring complete surface coverage.
- Crust Formation: Carefully spread the pastry dough across the entire pan bottom, gently pressing to create a smooth, seamless foundation without cracks or gaps.
- Filling Creation: Whisk together corn syrup, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until the mixture develops a silky, uniform texture that hints at the decadent dessert to come.
- Pecan Integration: Gently fold pecan halves into the liquid mixture, ensuring each nut becomes completely enrobed and evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Assembly and Baking: Pour the pecan-laden filling over the pastry base, using a spatula to create an even layer, then transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden bronze and the filling sets with a firm, minimal jiggle.
- Cooling and Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely, giving the filling time to solidify. Once cooled, slice into rectangular portions that reveal the pie’s luscious nutty interior and delicate pastry base.
Notes
- Pastry Perfection: Roll out the chilled dough carefully to prevent cracking, ensuring a smooth, even base that won’t break during baking.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Blind bake the pastry for 10 minutes before adding filling to create a crisp, golden crust that resists moisture.
- Pecan Distribution Magic: Gently fold pecans to avoid sinking, ensuring an even spread of nuts throughout the filling for consistent texture.
- Temperature Precision: Let bars cool completely at room temperature to allow filling to set properly, preventing runny or overly soft centers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg