Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Simple pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, offering the same rich, nutty flavor in convenient handheld squares. These bars feature a buttery crust and a sweet, gooey pecan filling that’s perfect for any occasion.

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 packed brown sugar
• 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, combine 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 until it 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.
6. Step 6: Pour the filling over the hot crust and spread it evenly.
7. Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 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.

Tips & Variations

• Use toasted pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Swap light corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans on top before baking the filling.

Storage

Store 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 in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds depending on your preference, but pecans provide the classic flavor for this recipe.

Why does the filling sometimes become too runny?

Make sure to bake the bars until the center is fully set, as underbaking can cause a runny filling. Also, letting them cool completely helps the filling firm up.

Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 107 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x

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Description

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, gooey pecan pie filling. Easy to make and perfect for dessert, they offer all the classic flavors of pecan pie in convenient bar form, great for parties, holidays, or any sweet craving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake it in the oven for 18–20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden brown.
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 bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Add Pecans: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture to distribute them evenly.
6. Assemble the Bars: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot baked crust, spreading it out with a spatula or spoon to cover completely.
7. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the center of the filling is set and does not jiggle.
8. Cool Completely: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner, easier slicing, refrigerate the bars for about one hour before cutting.
9. Serve: Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Using cold butter in the crust helps create a tender, flaky base.
• Refrigerating before cutting ensures clean slices and helps the filling set properly.
• For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the filling.
• Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan bars, easy pecan dessert, holiday desserts, pecan pie recipe, shortbread crust bars