Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery pecan shortbread crust with a rich, gooey pecan pie filling. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a sweet treat at home.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
- For the filling:
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups light or dark corn syrup
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking as soon as your crust and filling are assembled.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans. Cut in the room temperature butter until the mixture has a texture similar to wet sand. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish and pat it down to form an even crust, pressing slightly up the curved edges of the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
- Step 3: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until well incorporated. Gradually mix in the corn syrup and maple syrup. Finally, stir in the chopped pecans.
- Step 4: Pour the pecan pie filling over the hot, freshly baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. Return the dish to the 350° oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a knife inserted one inch from the edge comes out clean. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Step 5: Remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for cleaner slices.
Tips & Variations
- For deeper flavor, use a combination of light and dark corn syrup in the filling.
- Chopping pecans by hand gives a nicer texture than pre-packaged chopped pecans.
- To make the crust easier to press evenly, chill the mixture briefly before pressing into the pan.
- Swap maple syrup for honey for a slightly different sweetness profile.
Storage
Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving or warm slightly in the microwave. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes, but pecans have a unique flavor and texture that mange bars especially rich and traditional.
Do I have to refrigerate the bars before slicing?
Refrigerating after baking firms up the filling, making it easier to cut clean squares without the filling running. You can slice them once they’ve cooled to room temperature, but chilling is recommended for easiest slicing.
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Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Simple Pecan Pie Bars featuring a buttery pecan shortbread crust and a rich, gooey pecan pie filling. Perfect for a dessert or a sweet snack, these bars combine classic pecan pie flavors in a convenient bar form.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
For the filling:
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups light or dark corn syrup
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking as soon as your crust and filling are assembled.
- Prepare the Pecan Shortbread Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans. Cut in the room temperature butter until the mixture has a texture similar to wet sand. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish, then pat it down to form an even crust, pressing slightly up the curved edges of the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden brown.
- Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until well incorporated. Gradually mix in the corn syrup and maple syrup. Finally, stir in the chopped pecans to complete the filling. Using a mix of light and dark corn syrup can enhance the flavor.
- Assemble and Bake the Bars: Pour the pecan pie filling over the hot, freshly baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the dish to the 350° oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a knife inserted one inch from the edge comes out clean. The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center for best texture.
- Cool, Chill, and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, to slice into squares.
Notes
- Using a combination of light and dark corn syrup adds depth of flavor to the filling.
- Do not grease the baking dish; pressing the crust slightly up the edges helps contain the filling.
- The filling should be set but still jiggle slightly in the center when done to maintain a moist texture.
- Chilling the bars before slicing makes for cleaner cuts.
- Wiping the knife between cuts prevents sticking and unequal bars.
- Prep Time: 23 minutes
- Cook Time: 47 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan bars, pecan dessert, shortbread crust, holiday desserts, easy pecan pie, baked bars
