There’s something irresistibly comforting about homemade treats, especially when they come in the form of Pecan Pie Bars. The crunchy pecans nestled in a nutty, buttery filling evoke memories of cozy family gatherings and holiday celebrations, where laughter mingles with the warm, sweet aroma wafting through the house.
Recently, after a long week filled with takeout and microwave dinners, I was in search of something to bring joy back into my kitchen. That’s when I decided to whip up these delicious bars, which effortlessly combine all the beloved flavors of classic pecan pie with the ease of a bar dessert.
This recipe is perfect for both casual afternoons and special occasions alike. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward preparation, you’ll find that the hardest part is waiting for them to cool before slicing into the sweet, gooey goodness. Trust me, these Pecan Pie Bars will quickly become a favorite in your home—goodbye, fast food cravings!
Why You'll Love This Pecan Pie Bars
- These Pecan Pie Bars are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious dessert in no time.
- The rich, buttery flavor paired with crunchy pecans creates a delightful taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Their versatility makes them perfect for both casual get-togethers and festive celebrations, ensuring you’re always ready for any occasion.
- Plus, their gorgeous golden-brown appearance will impress your guests and elevate your dessert table.
Pecan Pie Bars Ingredients
For the Crust
- Unsalted butter – melted for a rich, buttery flavor that forms the perfect base.
- All-purpose flour – provides structure and creates a tender crumb for your bars.
- Salt – a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Brown sugar – adds a delicious hint of caramel to the crust.
For the Filling
- Large eggs – bind the filling together and create a custard-like texture.
- Brown sugar – deepens the sweetness with its molasses notes, making your Pecan Pie Bars irresistible.
- Light corn syrup – gives the filling its signature gooeyness and helps prevent crystallization.
- Unsalted butter – melted to give a luscious richness to the filling.
- Vanilla extract – infuses warm, comforting notes that elevate the overall flavor.
- Salt – balances sweetness and brings out the flavors of the nuts.
- Chopped pecans – the star of the show, offering crunch and a lovely nutty flavor.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later. This simple step is crucial for a smooth baking experience!
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Mix crust ingredients together. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup melted butter, 2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until well-blended, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until it turns lightly golden brown, signaling that it’s perfectly done and ready for the filling.
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Prepare the filling while the crust bakes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup brown sugar, corn syrup, 1/4 cup melted butter, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Once smooth, gently fold in the chopped pecans.
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Pour filling over crust. Carefully spread the pecan mixture evenly over the freshly baked crust. Ensure that the filling covers every bit of that delicious base!
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Return to oven and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes. Watch for the center to be set and slightly puffed, signaling that your Pecan Pie Bars are just about ready.
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Cool completely in the pan. Once baked, let them cool at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This helps with cleaner slicing when you’re ready to cut them into bars.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Pecan Pie Bars?
Indulging in these delightful treats creates a wonderful opportunity to build a memorable meal experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a cool contrast to the warm, gooey bars, elevating each bite to heavenly heights.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel on top introduces an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the nutty flavors.
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Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the richness of the Pecan Pie Bars.
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Fresh Berries: A burst of tart, juicy berries like raspberries or blueberries on the side brings a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the dessert.
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee helps balance the sweetness while enhancing the nutty flavors of the pecans. This classic pairing ignites comforting whispers of café gatherings.
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Mint Tea: The gentle herbal notes of mint tea provide a refreshing finish that cleanses the palate after indulging in the rich bars.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, an additional drizzle of melted chocolate on top creates an irresistible fusion of flavors—decadence at its finest!
How to Store and Freeze Pecan Pie Bars
Room Temperature: Store Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their deliciousness.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: You can freeze your Pecan Pie Bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or enjoy them chilled!
Pecan Pie Bars Variations
Feel free to experiment with these sweet twists and dietary adjustments to make the Pecan Pie Bars even more delightful!
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Nut-Free: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, nut-free version that still packs a punch.
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Maple Syrup: Replace light corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a deliciously inclusive treat everyone can enjoy.
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Chocolate Lovers: Stir in some chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent chocolate-pecan combination that’s simply irresistible.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Coconut Twist: Mix in shredded coconut for an added chewy texture that complements the nuttiness of the pecans perfectly.
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Sweetened Condensed Milk: Substitute some of the corn syrup with sweetened condensed milk for an ultra-creamy filling that takes indulgence to new heights.
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Fruit Infusion: Try adding dried cranberries or raisins for a surprise burst of sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the pecans.
Make Ahead Options
These Pecan Pie Bars are ideal for meal prep, saving you valuable time during busy weeks! You can prepare the crust up to 24 hours in advance, just store it tightly covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The pecan filling can also be mixed ahead, ideally up to 3 days before baking—just keep it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the prepared filling over the crust and bake as instructed. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey, and delicious Pecan Pie Bars with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy the sweet rewards without the hassle of last-minute preparations.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best Pecan Pie Bars, make sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to avoid a crumbly texture.
- Always whisk the filling ingredients until completely smooth to achieve a creamy filling without any lumps.
- When baking, check the center of the bars as they should be set but still slightly puffed; this indicates they are perfectly done.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before chilling for an hour, as this will help you cut them into neat, clean slices.
Pecan Pie Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pecans for my Pecan Pie Bars?
Absolutely! Look for pecans that are plump, golden brown, and free from dark spots or signs of rancidity. If you can, opt for fresh, raw pecans rather than pre-packaged ones, as the freshness will elevate the flavor of your bars significantly!
How should I store my Pecan Pie Bars?
For optimal freshness, store your Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. This helps to maintain their rich flavors and delightful texture.
Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars, and how?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze your delicious Pecan Pie Bars for up to 3 months! First, allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and follow with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can even slice them before freezing for quick and easy treats later. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
What should I do if my filling is too runny?
Very! If your filling appears too runny, it might be due to undercooking or an incorrect ratio of corn syrup to eggs. Here’s how to rescue it: Bake your bars for a bit longer until the filling is set and slightly puffed—not jiggly in the center. Additionally, letting them cool completely before slicing helps the filling firm up as well.
Are Pecan Pie Bars safe for pets?
Avoid giving Pecan Pie Bars to your pets, especially dogs. The sugar and corn syrup can be harmful to them. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly treat, consider making plain, baked pumpkin or sweet potato bites instead. Always check with your vet about what’s safe for your furry friends!
What can I substitute for light corn syrup in my Pecan Pie Bars?
If you prefer not to use corn syrup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of maple syrup or honey for a different flavor twist! Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, but it will still yield delicious bars. Enjoy experimenting!
Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, flour, salt, and brown sugar. Mix until well-blended, then press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Spread the pecan filling evenly over the baked crust.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes until the center is set.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before chilling in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
