Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie with the convenience of a handheld treat. These bars offer a sweet, nutty filling on a crisp, golden crust—perfect for dessert or snacking anytime.

The image shows two square pieces of pecan pie bars stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light golden, crumbly crust. Above the crust is a thick, gooey caramel filling with small bits of pecans mixed inside. The top layer is decorated with whole, glossy pecans and a sprinkling of coarse sugar, giving a crunchy texture. The bars have a shiny, sticky look from the caramel syrup oozing slightly around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
  3. Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.
  4. Step 4: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture until evenly combined.
  6. Step 6: Pour the pecan filling over the hot baked crust and spread it evenly.
  7. Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the center is set and does not jiggle.
  8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for about an hour before cutting into bars.
  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 half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier crust.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice twist.
  • Use maple syrup instead of light corn syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store the pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. Bars can be reheated briefly in a warm oven or enjoyed chilled depending on your preference.

How to Serve

Two stacked pecan dessert bars are shown close up on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light tan, crumbly crust with a rough texture. The middle layer is a thick, golden brown filling that looks sticky and slightly gooey with small bits of pecans embedded inside. The top layer has whole shiny pecan halves arranged neatly on a glossy, caramel-colored glaze with a few crushed pecan pieces sprinkled around. The edges of the bars look sharp and defined, showing the clear separation of each layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chopped walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes, chopped walnuts make a great substitute and provide a slightly different but equally delicious texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Baking the crust first until lightly golden before adding the filling helps create a barrier that prevents sogginess, ensuring a crisp bottom layer.

Print
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Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make simple pecan pie bars featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars combine classic pecan pie flavors in a convenient, sliceable format.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the 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 the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and coarse.
  3. Form and Bake the Crust: Evenly press the crumbly crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden on top.
  4. Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  5. Add Pecans to Filling: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the pecan filling over the hot, baked crust, spreading it evenly across the surface. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
  7. Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to room temperature.
  8. Refrigerate for Best Slices: For cleaner, neater slices, refrigerate the bars for about an hour before cutting them into serving-sized bars.
  9. Serve: Enjoy these pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature as a delightful dessert or snack.

Notes

  • Using cold butter for the crust helps achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
  • Be sure not to over bake the bars to avoid dryness; the center should be set but still moist.
  • Refrigerating before cutting results in cleaner, easier-to-cut bars.
  • Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • You can substitute light corn syrup with dark corn syrup or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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

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