Sure, let’s dive into the delightful world of pecan pie bars. If you love the taste of traditional pecan pie but find it a bit tricky to slice and serve, these bars are the perfect solution. They combine that rich, nutty flavor with a buttery crust, making them ideal for gatherings, holidays, or just a sweet treat any day of the week.

Pecan pie bars offer a luxurious balance of crunchy pecans and a gooey, sweet filling, all nestled atop a tender shortbread base. They’re not just a hit during the holidays; I often find myself craving them year-round.

Why you’ll love pecan pie bars

Quick and easy to prepare
Chewy texture with a nutty crunch
Great for sharing at gatherings
Make-ahead friendly
Versatile for any occasion

What ingredients do I need for pecan pie bars?

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup corn syrup
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient notes & swaps:

Use light or dark brown sugar; both will work wonderfully.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.
Make sure to check for nut allergies if sharing with a crowd.

How do I make pecan pie bars step-by-step?

Making pecan pie bars is straightforward and quick. Start by preparing your crust, then layer it with a rich pecan filling before baking.

Preheat oven and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar in a bowl.
Mix in the flour and salt until fully combined.
Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
Stir in the chopped pecans, then pour the mixture over the crust.
Bake until set, about 30-35 minutes.
Allow cooling before cutting into bars.

Pro Tip: To check for doneness, look for a slightly firm center that doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

How should I serve it?

Pecan pie bars can be enjoyed as is, but for a special touch, you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce also complements their rich flavor beautifully.

Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time! They store well in the fridge for about a week. Just cover them tightly to prevent drying out. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy them cold for a delicious treat.

How do I fix common issues?

If your pecan pie bars turn out too dry, it might be because they were overbaked; check them at the lower end of the baking time. For a filling that’s too runny, ensure the eggs are completely incorporated, or allow extra baking time. If they seem bland, a touch more vanilla or a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors.

What variations can I try?

Feel free to play with the recipe! You can add some chocolate chips to the filling for a twist or use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a unique flavor profile. If you’re a fan of spice, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring an extra warmth to the bars.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds could be a great alternative if you’re looking for something different.

Is there a way to make these bars vegan?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer for the eggs.

Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
While it’s not necessary, refrigerating them can help them stay fresh longer, especially in warmer weather.

In summary, pecan pie bars combine the comforting flavors of a classic pecan pie into a manageable, delightful treat. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday party or just for a cozy evening at home, they’re sure to bring joy to every occasion!

Pecan Pie Bars

Delicious pecan pie bars with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the crust

1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature butter for better mixing.
1 cup brown sugar Use light or dark brown sugar; both will work.
2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free blend.
1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavor.

For the filling

1 cup chopped pecans Chop them coarsely for a better texture.
1 cup corn syrup Can substitute with maple syrup for variations.
4 large eggs Make sure eggs are fully incorporated for the filling.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances sweetness and flavor.

Method

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar in a bowl.
Mix in the flour and salt until fully combined.
Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Filling

In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
Stir in the chopped pecans, then pour the mixture over the crust.

Baking

Bake until set, about 30-35 minutes.
Allow cooling before cutting into bars.

Notes

Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. They can be stored in the fridge for about a week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy cold.