Best Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Let me introduce you to the Best Pecan Pie Bars—a dessert that takes everything we love about a classic pecan pie and makes it even more irresistible, with a buttery, crisp crust and gooey, nutty filling that’s nothing short of perfection. The combination of sweet, crunchy, and buttery flavors is like a cozy hug for your taste buds, and trust me, these bars will quickly become your go-to dessert for holidays, gatherings, or even as a sweet treat for yourself.

These bars are perfect if you love pecan pie but are looking for something a little easier to serve up (no pie crust to fuss with!). They’re easy to make, shareable, and completely delicious. You’ll definitely want to bake a double batch because they won’t last long!

Why You’ll Love Best Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars are everything you want in a dessert, and here’s why:

Sweet and Salty:

The gooey, caramel-like filling paired with the crunchy pecans is the ultimate combination. The slight saltiness from the buttery crust balances out the sweetness perfectly, making each bite so satisfying.

Easy to Make:

No need to worry about rolling out pie crusts—this recipe uses a simple, press-in crust that’s as easy as it gets. Plus, the filling is a breeze to prepare, so you can whip these up with minimal effort.

Crowd-Pleasing:

These bars are a crowd favorite and are perfect for serving at gatherings. They’re portable, shareable, and loved by both kids and adults alike. You’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Make Ahead Friendly:

These bars store beautifully and actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. So, you can make them ahead of time and still impress your guests.

Holiday-Worthy:

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a casual weekend treat, these pecan pie bars are a showstopper that feels festive and indulgent.

Ingredients in Best Pecan Pie Bars

Let’s talk about what goes into these mouthwatering pecan pie bars. The ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create something extraordinary!

For the Crust:

• Butter: The base of any good dessert crust. It adds richness and a flaky texture to the bars.
• Flour: The main ingredient for the crust, giving it that perfect bite.
• Granulated Sugar: A little sugar helps to sweeten the crust just enough.
• Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the flavors in the crust and balances the sweetness.

For the Filling:

• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives the filling its signature caramel flavor and rich color.
• Corn Syrup: A key ingredient for that gooey, sticky filling that makes pecan pie so irresistible.
• Butter: A bit more butter is added to the filling to keep it smooth and deliciously rich.
• Eggs: They help set the filling, giving it the right consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and enhances the sweetness of the filling.
• Pecans: The star of the show! Whole pecans add that satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that makes these bars unforgettable.

Instructions

Ready to bake some magic? Let’s go through the steps to make these pecan pie bars:

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang so you can easily lift the bars out later.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.

Make the Filling:

1. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
3. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Stir in the pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Once the crust is done, pour the pecan filling over the warm crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. You can gently shake the pan to check if the filling is firm (it shouldn’t jiggle).
3. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper.

Slice and Serve:

1. Once the bars have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.
2. Serve and enjoy! These are perfect on their own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side wouldn’t hurt either.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 (depending on size and ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Best Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to take them up a notch:

With Ice Cream:

Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even caramel ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Drizzle of Chocolate:

For chocolate lovers, drizzle some melted chocolate on top of the bars for an extra layer of flavor.

Whipped Cream:

Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a lighter, creamy contrast to the sweet, nutty bars.

With Coffee:

Serve these bars alongside a cup of coffee or a warm latte for the ultimate afternoon treat.

Additional Tips

• Crust Options: If you want to get creative, you can try making the crust with graham cracker crumbs for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Storage: These pecan pie bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. You can also store them in the fridge for a longer shelf life.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two in advance. The flavors only get better with time, so feel free to bake them ahead of your event.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these bars with a different nut?
A1: Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or almonds can also be used in place of pecans. The flavor and texture will change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go. Make sure the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Q3: Can I make the filling without corn syrup?
A3: If you prefer to avoid corn syrup, you can substitute it with maple syrup or honey, although it will slightly change the flavor of the filling.

Q4: How do I store leftover pecan pie bars?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh for a little longer.

Q5: Can I freeze these pecan pie bars?
A5: Yes, these bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
A6: Yes! Chocolate chips add a delicious richness to the filling. Fold in about ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the pecans for an extra treat.

Q7: Do these bars have to be completely cooled before slicing?
A7: Yes, it’s best to let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly and doesn’t spill out.

Q8: Can I use a different sweetener in the filling?
A8: You can experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar, but it will affect the flavor and texture slightly. Be sure to adjust for sweetness as needed.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, such as a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Q10: Can I add a splash of bourbon to the filling?
A10: Yes, a splash of bourbon (about 1-2 tablespoons) will enhance the caramel notes and add depth to the flavor. Just be sure to cook the filling long enough to burn off the alcohol.

Conclusion

These Best Pecan Pie Bars are everything you want in a dessert—sweet, nutty, buttery, and irresistibly delicious. With an easy-to-make crust and a gooey, caramel filling packed with crunchy pecans, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just indulging in a sweet moment to yourself, they’re sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!

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