Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Introduction
Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie with a buttery shortbread crust for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. These bars are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack any time of day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 3: Press the crumbly crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until it’s lightly golden.
- Step 4: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Step 5: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Step 6: Pour the pecan filling over the hot baked crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, until the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
- Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for about an hour before cutting into bars.
- Step 9: Serve the pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer crust, substitute half the butter with cream cheese.
- Use toasted pecans for a deeper, more intense nutty flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the brown sugar to 3/4 cup.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice note.
Storage
Store the pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat briefly in a low oven or enjoy chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes if pecans are unavailable or if you prefer a different flavor.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Baking the crust before adding the filling ensures it stays firm. Also, avoid overbaking the filling as it can cause excess moisture.
PrintSimple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, sweet pecan filling, delivering all the classic flavors of pecan pie in easy-to-cut bar form. Perfect for serving as a dessert or a special treat, these bars are baked to golden perfection with a gooey, nutty center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust mixture: In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form and bake the crust: Press the crumbly crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
- Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until smooth and combined.
- Add pecans to filling: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Assemble and bake bars: Pour the pecan filling over the hot baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
- Cool and chill: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slicing, refrigerate them for at least an hour before cutting into bars.
- Serve: Serve the pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature according to your preference.
Notes
- Using cold butter helps create a crumbly, tender crust.
- Ensure the filling is thoroughly mixed for even flavor and texture.
- Refrigerating before slicing ensures neat, clean bars.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan dessert, baked pecan bars, easy pecan pie, holiday dessert
