Pecan Pie Bars Recipe for Sweet Snacking Joy

Crispy edges and gooey centers make these delectable pecan pie bars a sweet sensation worth savoring.

Nuts caramelize beautifully, creating rich layers of flavor that dance across your palate.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this dessert as a cherished tradition.

Buttery pastry crumbles delicately, revealing a luscious filling that whispers comfort with every bite.

Seasonal gatherings deserve something special, and these bars deliver pure indulgence.

Warm spices complement the nutty crunch, promising a treat you’ll want to share.

Each slice tells a story of home-cooked goodness that beckons you to enjoy.

Pecan Pie Bars That Never Last Long

• These pecan pie bars transform a classic pie into a convenient, shareable treat that's perfect for any gathering.
• The simple two-layer recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Ideal for potlucks, holiday parties, or casual family desserts, these bars offer a delicious twist on traditional pecan pie that everyone will love.
• Prepare these bars in advance and refrigerate, allowing you to serve a stunning dessert with minimal last-minute preparation and stress.

Ingredients That Make Pecan Bars a Hit

• Butter: Rich base for creating a crumbly, tender shortbread crust. Unsalted preferred for better flavor control.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp crust texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for the shortbread base. Standard flour works best.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness to the pecan filling. Dark or light both work well.
• Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth, glossy filling with classic pecan pie consistency.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the filling and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the filling flavor.
• Pecans: Main flavor component, providing nutty crunch and signature taste. Whole or chopped pecans are perfect.

• Melted Butter: Enriches the filling and helps blend ingredients smoothly.

Steps to Bake Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Heat the oven to 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Craft the Buttery Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

• Flour
• Salt

Mix until the dough forms a cohesive texture.

Press the dough firmly into the prepared pan, using your fingers or a glass bottom to create an even layer.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 minutes until it turns a gentle golden color. Pull it out and let it rest.

Step 3: Whip Up the Gooey Pecan Topping

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks silky and smooth. Fold in chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Layer the Goodness

Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust, spreading it carefully to cover every inch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling looks set but still has a slight wobble in the center.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For clean-cut slices, pop the pan in the refrigerator for an hour before cutting into squares.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Bring the bars to room temperature and enjoy the sweet, nutty deliciousness!

Tips to Get That Buttery Crust

• Customize Crust Texture: Use cold butter and pulse in a food processor for a more crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base that ensures even distribution and prevents dry edges.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Blind bake the crust for 20 minutes before adding filling to create a crisp, golden foundation that locks out moisture and maintains a perfect crunch.
• Balance Pecan Sweetness: Toast pecans beforehand in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and reduce the overall sweetness of the filling, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Slice Like a Pro: Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts to get clean, precise edges that showcase the beautiful layers of your pecan pie bars.
• Store for Maximum Freshness: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Keep Your Bars Fresh and Crunchy

• Store leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crust's crisp texture.
• Warm bars briefly in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes if you prefer a slightly heated dessert. This helps restore the crust's crispness and enhances the pecan filling's flavor.

Side Treats That Pair with Pecan Bars

• Complement the rich, nutty pecan flavors with a scoop of creamy bourbon vanilla ice cream that adds luxurious coolness and enhances the dessert's caramel undertones.
• Brew a warm, aromatic spiced chai tea with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger notes that beautifully balance the sweet pecan pie bars and provide a cozy drinking experience.
• Enjoy a smooth caramel macchiato whose sweet espresso and caramel layers harmonize perfectly with the pecan's deep, toasty characteristics and sugary filling.
• Serve a rich, amber-colored tawny port wine with its nutty, dried fruit profile that mirrors the pecan's depth and complements the dessert's sweet, buttery texture.

Recipe Tweaks for Your Next Batch

• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Pecan Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and swap corn syrup with maple syrup or agave nectar. Select organic pecans for enhanced flavor.
• Reduced-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar. Select sugar-free corn syrup alternative or create filling with date syrup for natural sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Create crust using almond flour and butter, replace corn syrup with sugar-free syrup, and use low-carb sweetener. Add extra chopped pecans for increased healthy fat content.

Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Succulent pecan pie bars deliver Southern charm with a buttery graham cracker crust and rich caramel-like filling studded with toasted pecans. Delightful dessert bars promise sweet comfort and warmth in each delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Crust):

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (133 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (170 grams) light corn syrup
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups (226 grams) chopped pecans

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft the buttery foundation by thoroughly creaming softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gently incorporate flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
2. Press the delicate shortbread mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking vessel, ensuring an even, compact layer. Use fingertips or a smooth glass to create a uniform base.
3. Roast the crust in a preheated 350F (175C) oven until it develops a delicate golden hue, approximately 20 minutes. Remove and allow to rest momentarily.
4. Construct the luscious pecan topping by whisking brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract into a silky, harmonious blend. Fold in chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Cascade the pecan mixture across the pre-baked crust, carefully spreading to create a uniform layer that completely blankets the shortbread foundation.
6. Return the pan to the oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until the filling achieves a slightly puffy texture with a subtle jiggle at the center. The filling will gradually firm as it cools.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, enhancing their structure by chilling in the refrigerator for at least one hour to facilitate clean, precise cutting.
8. Slice into elegant squares or rectangles, serving at room temperature to fully appreciate the rich, nutty essence of this decadent dessert.

Notes

• Enhance the buttery crust by toasting the flour briefly before mixing to develop a rich, nutty flavor and improve texture.
• For gluten-free options, swap regular flour with almond flour or a certified gluten-free blend to maintain the same delicate shortbread consistency.
• Control sweetness by reducing corn syrup and adding a pinch of sea salt to balance the intense sugary notes, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by pre-baking the crust until golden and ensuring it’s completely cool before adding the pecan filling, guaranteeing a crisp and sturdy base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 322
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 107 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 58 mg