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Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 139 reviews
  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings (bars cut into approximately 3x4 grid) 1x

Description

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, nutty shortbread crust with a rich and gooey pecan pie filling for a classic Southern-inspired dessert that’s perfect for gatherings and holidays. With step-by-step instructions, these bars are easy to make and deliver all the delicious flavors of pecan pie in convenient square servings.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Assemble and Bake the Bars: 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 just a bit jiggly in the center for the best texture.
  5. Cool, Chill, and Slice: 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.

Notes

  • Use a combination of light and dark corn syrup for a deeper, richer flavor in the filling.
  • Allow the bars to chill thoroughly before slicing for cleaner cuts and better texture.
  • Room temperature butter is essential for properly cutting it into the dry ingredients to achieve the perfect crust texture.
  • If preferred, pecans can be toasted lightly beforehand to enhance their flavor.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 23 minutes
  • Cook Time: 47 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan dessert, shortbread crust, pecan pie filling, Southern dessert

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Find it online: https://delishwithella.com/simple-pecan-pie-bars-recipe/