There’s nothing quite like the sweet, nutty indulgence of pecan pie bars. Combining the gooey filling and buttery base reminiscent of traditional pecan pie, these bars are simpler to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through creating delectable pecan pie bars that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars
Irresistible Texture and Flavor
These pecan pie bars offer the rich, buttery flavor of classic pecan pie with an enhanced texture. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the pecans, a chewy filling, and a crumbly shortbread crust. The balance of sweetness and nuttiness ensures every mouthful is delightful.
Easy to Make
Forget the fuss of making traditional pie crust from scratch. This recipe uses a simple shortbread base that requires minimal ingredients and effort. You can have these bars ready in under an hour, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Perfect for Sharing
Unlike a whole pie, pecan pie bars are easy to slice into uniform squares, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Their portable nature means you can bake a batch ahead of time and serve them with ease.
Ingredients
Creating these pecan pie bars doesn’t require any exotic ingredients. Most items are pantry staples, ensuring you can whip them up without an extra trip to the store.
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) pecans, roughly chopped
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars
Follow these simple steps to create your own pecan pie bars:
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
In a large bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to ensure the crust is compact and even.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until it turns light golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Pecan Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt until well combined.
Add the corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Whisk until the filling is smooth and free of lumps.
Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
3. Assemble and Bake
Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes. The bars are done when the filling is set and slightly puffed around the edges.
4. Cool and Serve
Allow the pecan pie bars to cool completely in the pan. This can take about 1-2 hours at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.
Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a cutting board and slice into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
-
Use Cold Butter: Keeping the butter cold helps achieve a tender, crumbly crust. If necessary, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
-
Create Handles: When lining the pan with parchment paper, leave extra overhang on two opposite sides. This makes lifting the bars out effortless and reduces mess.
-
Even Pecan Distribution: Chop the pecans uniformly to ensure they’re spread evenly throughout the filling, providing consistent flavor in every bite.
-
Let Them Cool: Patience is key. Allowing the bars to cool fully ensures clean, neat slices without breaking.
Delicious Variations
-
Boozy Bars: Add a splash of bourbon or dark rum to the filling for an adult twist. About 2 tablespoons will infuse a rich, deep flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
-
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips into the crust or sprinkle melted chocolate over the cooled bars. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with caramel sauce as well.
-
Nut Alternatives: Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts for a different texture and flavor profile.
-
Spiced Filling: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling to add a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness.
How to Store and Freeze
Storing Pecan Pie Bars
To keep your pecan pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can stay at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for up to a week.
Freezing Instructions
Pecan pie bars freeze exceptionally well, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert.
-
Cool Completely: Ensure the bars are fully cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals.
-
Wrap Properly: Place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Alternatively, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
-
Label and Date: Clearly label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
-
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the desired number of bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. For quick access, microwave individual slices for a few seconds to serve them warm.
More Pecan Recipes
If you find yourself loving pecan pie bars, you might want to explore more pecan-based treats:
-
Best Candied Pecans: Perfect for snacking or adding a sweet crunch to salads and desserts.
-
Sweet Potato Pecan Pie: A twist on traditional pie, combining sweet potatoes and pecans for a hearty dessert.
-
Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls filled with caramel and pecans for a decadent breakfast or dessert.
-
Easy Pecan Pie Cobbler: A comforting dessert that combines the flavors of pecan pie with a fruity cobbler topping.
-
Best Southern-Style Pralines: Creamy, nutty confections that are a staple in Southern baking.
Pecan pie bars are a versatile and delightful dessert, perfect for any gathering or a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Their rich flavor, combined with the ease of preparation and the ability to make them ahead, makes them a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, these bars are sure to impress. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and start baking these irresistible pecan pie bars today!
Pecan Pie Bars
These sweet, sticky pecan pie bars have a buttery shortbread base. They are just as addictive as they sound. Better yet, they’re ready for the oven in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 1/2 cups corn syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the side for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and salt. Next, use a pastry cutter or your fingers. Work the butter into the flour mixture. Continue until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Bake until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and salt. Whisk in the corn syrup. Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the filling over the hot crust. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes. The filling is done when it is set and the top is a deep golden brown.
- Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. Then, cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
