Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-make, portable dessert. With a buttery crust and a rich, nutty filling, they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat any time.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden.
4. Step 4: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture until well combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the filling over the hot baked crust and spread it evenly.
7. Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting.
9. Step 9: Serve the pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.
• Substitute dark corn syrup for light corn syrup for a deeper caramel taste.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice note.
• Use a metal baking pan for crisper edges and quicker baking.

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 overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the crust to avoid an overly salty taste.

How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?

Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat slices.

Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 109 reviews

Delight in these Simple Pecan Pie Bars, a delicious twist on the classic pecan pie. Featuring a buttery, crumbly crust and a rich, sweet pecan filling, these bars are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack. Easy to make and irresistible to eat, they offer all the comforting flavors of pecan pie in a convenient bar form.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 packed brown sugar
• 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 large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture is crumbly, resembling coarse crumbs.
3. Bake the crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.
4. Prepare filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Add pecans: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture to evenly distribute them.
6. Pour filling over crust: Pour the pecan filling over the hot, baked crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and does not jiggle when gently shaken.
8. Cool the bars: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to set the filling properly.
9. Chill before serving: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for at least one hour before cutting into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is cold when making the crust for a crumbly texture.
• Press the crust firmly and evenly to prevent it from crumbling when baked.
• Do not overbake the filling; it should be set but still moist.
• Refrigerating before slicing helps create cleaner bar edges.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan bars, easy dessert bars, nut bars, holiday dessert