Best Pecan Pie Bars

Nothing says cozy like a tray of delicious pecan bars. I’ve made many desserts, but the first time I put these Best Pecan Pie Bars in the oven, the intoxicating aroma of sweet caramelized pecans mixed with buttery crust filled my kitchen and my heart. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both simple to make and sure to impress, you’ve found it.

These bars have a smooth, rich filling that balances just the right amount of sweetness and nuttiness, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Friends and family alike rave about these bars—they’re a real crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Why you’ll love pecan pie bars

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Rich, buttery flavor
• Fewer dishes to clean up
• Great for potlucks and holiday parties
• Freezer-friendly for anytime treats

What ingredients do I need for pecan pie bars?

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

Ingredient notes & swaps:

• Butter: Substituting with coconut oil can add a hint of tropical flavor.
• Corn syrup: You can use a mix of honey or maple syrup for a different taste, but this may alter the texture slightly.
• Pecans: Feel free to swap with walnuts for a different but equally delightful crunch.

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

Making these pecan pie bars is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by preparing the buttery crust, then mix up the delicious filling and bake.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, brown sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
3. In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Pour the pecan mixture over the crust in the baking pan.
6. Bake until set and golden, about 30-35 minutes.
7. Once baked, allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.

Pro Tip: For an added touch, consider lightly toasting the pecans before incorporating them into the filling to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.

How should I serve it?

These pecan pie bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can also enhance their sweet and nutty flavor.

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

Absolutely! These pecan pie bars keep well in the fridge for up to a week. You can store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to prepare them further in advance, they also freeze beautifully. Just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge the night before you plan to serve.

How do I fix common issues?

If you encounter common issues like dry or overly crumbly bars, ensure that your butter is fully, but not overly, creamed with the sugars before adding the flour. If your bars turn out too soggy, it might be because they were underbaked, so allow them to cool fully, as they firm up upon cooling. For bland bars, adding a pinch of salt can heighten all flavors.

What variations can I try?

Get creative with your pecan pie bars by adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips or dried fruit for a unique twist. You could also experiment by swapping some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier version, or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts, both of which will provide a delightful texture and flavor.

Can I make this without eggs?

For an egg-free version, try using a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacement suitable for baking.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

Delicious and easy to make, these pecan pie bars are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite!

Pecan Pie Bars

Delicious pecan pie bars with a buttery crust and rich, caramelized filling that are perfect for gatherings and cozy nights at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter Substituting with coconut oil can add a hint of tropical flavor.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling

• 1 cup corn syrup You can use a mix of honey or maple syrup for a different taste.
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs For an egg-free version, use flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacement.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, chopped Feel free to swap with walnuts for a different crunch.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, brown sugar, and salt until crumbly.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
4. In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
5. Stir in the chopped pecans.
6. Pour the pecan mixture over the crust in the baking pan.

Baking

1. Bake until set and golden, about 30-35 minutes.
2. Once baked, allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the sweet and nutty flavor. These bars keep well in the fridge for up to a week and freeze beautifully.