Heavenly Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: Buttery Bliss in Every Bite

Crafting delectable pecan pie bars brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s kitchen.

Sweet and nutty flavors dance across your palate with each heavenly bite.

Crisp pastry forms a delightful foundation for those golden-brown pecans nestled in rich caramel.

Warm aromas fill the room, promising an irresistible treat that connects generations of baking traditions.

Memories of grandma’s classic recipes inspire this modern twist on a beloved classic.

Every slice promises a moment of blissful indulgence that sparks conversation and creates lasting memories.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of these mouthwatering bars.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Crust Foundation

Combine flour and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl.

Cut in softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse, crumbly sand.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a smooth base.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely while preparing the filling.

Step 4: Whip Up the Filling

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

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Add Pecans and Assemble

Gently fold pecan halves into the filling mixture.

Pour the entire mixture evenly over the cooled crust, ensuring a consistent layer of pecans across the surface.

Step 6: Final Baking

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

The filling should look set and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the entire batch out of the pan.

Cut into square servings and enjoy the rich, nutty dessert.

Tips to Bake Gooey Yet Firm Pecan Pie Bars

• Use the back of a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass to firmly and evenly press the crust mixture into the pan, ensuring a compact and uniform base for your pecan pie bars.
• Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the filling to enhance their nutty richness and bring out a more intense, caramelized taste.
• Check the bars around the 25-minute mark to avoid overcooking. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center, as it will continue to firm up while cooling.
• Use parchment paper with overhanging edges to create easy lifting and clean, precise cuts when serving the bars.
• Keep the pecan pie bars at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and maximize flavor.

Proper Ways to Store and Reheat Pecan Pie Bars

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain the bars' texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore the crust's crispness and filling's gooey texture.
• Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and soften slightly.

Ideal Pairings for Sweet Pecan Pie Bars

• Craft Sweet Bourbon Harmony: Pair these rich pecan pie bars with a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark, which complements the caramel-like sweetness and nutty undertones of the dessert.
• Brew Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a robust dark roast coffee or espresso, allowing the bitter notes to balance the pie bars' intense sweetness and enhance the pecan's deep, toasted flavor.
• Create Vanilla Ice Cream Accent: Top each bar with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast and adding a silky, cold dimension to the warm, gooey dessert.
• Sip Caramel Dessert Wine: Select a luscious late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti, which brings complementary caramel and honey notes that beautifully echo the pie bars' rich, sugary profile.

Unique Twists on the Classic Pecan Pie Bar

• Gluten-Free Pecan Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use certified gluten-free corn syrup to ensure complete allergen safety.
• Vegan Pecan Squares: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use coconut oil instead of butter. Select plant-based sweeteners like maple syrup to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Pecan Treats: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Incorporate chopped walnuts alongside pecans to add nutritional variety and lower overall sugar percentage.
• Chocolate Drizzled Pecan Bars: After cooling, melt dark chocolate and create elegant zigzag patterns across the surface. Sprinkle sea salt for enhanced flavor complexity and gourmet presentation.

FAQs

• How do I know when the pecan pie bars are fully baked?

The filling should look set and golden brown, with minimal jiggling when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor profile. Just ensure the nuts are chopped or halved similarly.

• Why is my crust turning out too crumbly?

Make sure to press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Using softened butter and mixing until it resembles coarse crumbs helps create a more stable base.

• How can I prevent my pecan pie bars from being too sweet?

Consider reducing the granulated sugar slightly or using unsalted butter to help balance the sweetness. You can also add a pinch of sea salt on top to cut through the sweetness.

Why Pecan Pie Bars Are Always a Crowd Pleaser

• These pecan pie bars offer a simple, straightforward process that even novice bakers can master with ease.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations, these bars deliver classic pecan pie flavor in a convenient, shareable format.
• Minimal ingredients and uncomplicated steps make this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks looking for a delicious sweet treat without complex techniques.
• These bars can be prepared in advance, making them an ideal dessert for planning ahead and reducing day-of kitchen stress.

What Goes Into Making Pecan Pie Bars

• Flour: Provides structure for the crust.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Butter: Creates rich, tender crust texture.

• Eggs: Binds the filling together.
• Corn Syrup: Adds classic pecan pie sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Butter: Enhances rich flavor.
• Vanilla: Adds warm, aromatic depth.
• Salt: Balances overall sweetness.

• Pecan Halves: Provides signature nutty crunch and flavor.

Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Delectable pecan pie bars bring Southern charm to dessert tables with irresistible nutty sweetness. Crisp buttery crust and rich caramel-like filling create a nostalgic treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light corn syrup

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Combine flour and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl, then incorporate softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the texture resembles coarse, crumbly sand.
3. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base layer that will support the rich pecan topping.
4. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until it achieves a delicate golden hue, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
5. Whisk eggs, corn syrup, granulated and brown sugars, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
6. Gently fold pecan halves into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
7. Pour the pecan-studded filling carefully over the cooled crust, spreading it to create a uniform layer that covers the entire surface.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown finish and a slightly firm filling that jiggles minimally when moved.
9. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly.
10. Using the parchment paper, lift the entire dessert from the pan and slice into precise square portions for serving.

Notes

• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the bars.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend in the crust.
• Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled bars for an elegant and rich chocolate twist that complements the sweet pecan filling.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate to extend shelf life and maintain texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg