If you adore the rich, buttery flavor of classic pecan pie but love a more portable, snackable treat, then this Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a flaky, tender crust topped with a gooey, sweet pecan filling that delivers all the nutty goodness you crave in every bite. These bars are not only easier to slice and serve than a traditional pie, they bring a warm and welcoming vibe perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just indulging yourself. Once you make them, they’ll disappear fast—so get ready to impress with one of the coziest desserts that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. Each one plays an essential role, from the buttery crust to the luscious filling, creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor you’ll swoon over.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms a sturdy yet tender base for the crust, giving these bars structure with a delicate crumb.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the crust, keeping it soft and lightly sweetened.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The secret to that rich, melt-in-your-mouth crust texture, blending all dry ingredients beautifully.
- 3 large eggs: Bind everything together in the filling while enriching the texture and flavor.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Brings luscious sweetness and provides that classic sticky, glossy finish on top.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes subtle crunch in the filling.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like flavor making the filling irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Enhances richness, blending seamlessly into the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A fragrant note that brightens the whole pie bar experience.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the sweet flavors, bringing harmony to the filling and crust.
- 2 cups pecan halves: The star ingredient, toasted nuts add crunch and that unmistakable earthy sweetness.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your bars lift out easily after baking without sticking. This step also makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, stir together 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. This mixture, when pressed evenly into the prepared pan, forms a beautifully tender and flaky crust that’s just begging to be topped.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake your crust in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until it just begins to turn a light, golden brown. This gives it enough firmness to hold the filling without getting soggy. Let it cool completely while you prepare the luscious pecan filling.
Step 4: Whisk the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, granulated and brown sugars, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This combination is what creates that signature sticky, gooey filling you love in pecan pie bars.
Step 5: Add the Pecans
Gently fold in the pecan halves, ensuring every nut is coated with the sweet filling. This step is crucial because the pecans add crunch and a rich nutty flavor that perfectly contrasts the smooth custard-like base.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pecan mixture evenly over your cooled crust. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the filling is fully set and golden brown. The aroma at this point will be absolutely irresistible, signaling these bars are nearly ready.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps the filling firm up, making it easier to cut neat squares without the gooey filling spilling everywhere. Patience here really pays off!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your pecan pie bars even further, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling a thin stream of melted chocolate across the top. A whipped dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a decadent pairing that will make each bite even more of a celebration.
Side Dishes
These bars shine as a dessert but can also pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a real crowd-pleaser, serve alongside fresh fruit slices such as crisp apples or juicy pears—their natural acidity cuts through the sweet richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond simple squares. Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board mixed with nuts and fresh herbs for a festive display. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter for easy party snacking. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming homemade gifts that everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pecan pie bars keep wonderfully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They maintain their fresh flavor and chewy texture for up to 5 days. Just ensure they are covered well to avoid absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy them later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored this way, they stay fresh for up to 3 months, making them perfect for holiday prep or last-minute treats.
Reheating
To enjoy your pecan pie bars warm, simply let them thaw at room temperature if frozen, then heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This restores that just-baked softness and intensifies the nutty, buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I use chopped pecans instead of halves?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans will still provide great flavor and texture. Just know that using halves gives a more classic, attractive appearance on top of your bars.
Is it possible to make the crust gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare these bars vegan?
Traditional pecan pie bars call for eggs and butter, but you can experiment using flax eggs and plant-based butter substitutes. The texture will vary, so testing a small batch first is best.
Why did my filling turn out runny?
Make sure to fully bake the bars until the filling is set and golden brown. Underbaking or using too much corn syrup can cause a runny filling, so follow the baking time closely.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Baking the crust first until lightly golden before adding the filling helps seal it and keeps it crisp. Also, allowing the bars to cool completely sets the filling nicely, reducing sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about biting into perfectly crafted pecan pie bars, and this Pecan Pie Bars Recipe delivers exactly that in a wonderfully simple way. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a casual coffee date, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these bars will become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try them and see how quickly they disappear from your plate!
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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 sweet and nutty Pecan Pie Bars with a buttery crust and rich pecan filling, perfect for any dessert table or holiday treat. These bars combine the classic flavors of pecan pie in a convenient bar form that’s easy to bake and serve.
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 to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust base.
- Bake Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Make Filling: In a large mixing 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 the pecan halves into the filling mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pecan filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and has a golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the pecan pie bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the crust is lightly golden before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Allow the bars to cool fully to ensure the filling sets properly.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or substituting half of the pecans with walnuts.
