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Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

4.4 from 229 reviews

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.

Ingredients

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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

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Add pecans to filling: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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