If you’re looking for a dessert that effortlessly combines nutty richness, buttery sweetness, and a delightful chewy texture, you simply must try this Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. It takes the beloved flavors of traditional pecan pie and transforms them into handy bars that are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a treat to work, or just craving a delicious snack. The golden crust paired with a gooey, pecan-studded filling makes every bite a little celebration of everything good about pecan pie without the fuss of slicing a pie. Trust me, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients that you likely have on hand, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. From the flour that builds a tender crust, to the corn syrup that gives the filling its signature chewiness, each component is a small powerhouse of flavor and texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the crust, providing structure and flakiness.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and sweetness to the crust, making it tender.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and helps create that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the filling together while adding a silky texture.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Key for the filling’s chewy, luscious consistency.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavors with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Introduces a hint of molasses flavor, deepening the filling’s complexity.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds an extra layer of buttery goodness to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates all the other ingredients with warm aromatic notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 2 cups pecan halves: The star of the show, this adds crunch and that signature pecan pie flavor.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly right from the start. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper so you can easily lift out the bars once they’re baked and cooled. This step makes cleanup a breeze and helps keep the bars intact when slicing.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Combine your flour and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl, then cut in the softened butter. The goal is to achieve a coarse crumb-like texture, which is essential for a buttery and tender crust. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan – this forms the sturdy yet tender base that supports all the filling.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This initial baking step develops flavor and gives the crust a slight crispness so it won’t get soggy underneath the luscious filling. Once baked, let it cool while you prepare the filling to avoid melting or mixing the layers prematurely.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisking until smooth is crucial; it ensures a silky, uniform filling texture. The combination of sugars delivers the signature sweetness with a rich depth from the molasses notes in the brown sugar.
Step 5: Add Pecans and Pour
Gently fold the pecan halves into your filling mixture, spreading them evenly throughout to guarantee every bar has that fabulous crunch and flavor. Pour the entire mixture over the cooled crust, allowing it to fill the pan evenly. This careful layering sets you up for perfectly balanced bars with every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Bake the filled pan for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. The filling should hold steady when gently shaken but still be slightly soft in the center. This balance ensures your bars will have that wonderful gooey texture classic to pecan pie.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan; patience here is key. Cooling helps the filling firm up so it slices cleanly into squares. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into 24 evenly sized pieces. The result is a batch of bars that look as good as they taste!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Though these bars are delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweet elegance and visual appeal. For an extra indulgent experience, serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which complements the warm, nutty flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, making for an irresistible snack or dessert combo. If serving at a gathering, consider offering fresh fruit slices like crisp apples or juicy pears to balance the richness of the bars with refreshing brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board alongside whole pecans and cinnamon sticks. You could also drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel over the top for added decadence. Another fun idea is to serve them in mini muffin tins to create perfectly portioned, bite-sized treats for easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling luscious. If you live in a warmer climate, refrigeration may be necessary, but allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for longer storage by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat pecan pie bars gently in a low oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes if you prefer them warm. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and the filling overly soft. A slightly warm bar brings out the flavors and gives a comforting, fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and add a unique flavor, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Just be sure to use the same amount and consider toasting them lightly for extra flavor.
Is it necessary to use corn syrup in this recipe?
Corn syrup is important for creating the gooey, chewiness classic to pecan pie bars. If you prefer, you can substitute with golden syrup or honey, but the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. The texture may be a bit different, but the overall flavor and enjoyment will remain wonderful.
How long do these bars last once baked?
Stored properly in an airtight container, pecan pie bars will stay fresh for about three to four days at room temperature and up to a week if refrigerated.
Can I halve the recipe?
Definitely. Just adjust your pan size accordingly to maintain the same thickness. A smaller square pan, like 8×8 inches, works great for half the recipe.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Pecan Pie Bars Recipe inspires you to whip up a batch of these irresistible treats. They are a delightful twist on a classic dessert that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of buttery crust, gooey filling, and crunchy pecans that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy the sweet rewards!
Print
Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and buttery Pecan Pie Bars with a tender shortbread crust topped with a gooey, sweet pecan filling. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Firmly press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely to ensure the filling sets properly.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture. Pour this over the cooled crust evenly.
- Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the filling is set and has a golden brown color on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- For easier crust pressing, slightly chill the dough before pressing it into the pan.
- Ensure the crust is fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To make cutting easier, chill the bars before slicing.
