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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- 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.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base layer that will support the rich pecan topping.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until it achieves a delicate golden hue, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- 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.
- Gently fold pecan halves into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
- Pour the pecan-studded filling carefully over the cooled crust, spreading it to create a uniform layer that covers the entire surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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