Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine the rich flavors of classic pecan pie with an easy-to-eat bar form. They offer a buttery crust topped with a sweet, nutty filling that’s perfect for sharing at any gathering.

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 brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your 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, or until the crust is lightly golden.
4. Step 4: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture.
6. Step 6: Pour the pecan filling over the hot baked crust and spread evenly.
7. Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting into bars.
9. Step 9: Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them into the filling.
• Substitute half of the pecans with walnuts for a different nutty taste.
• If you prefer a firmer crust, bake it a few minutes longer before adding the filling.

Storage

Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual bars briefly in the microwave to soften the filling, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?

Yes, dark corn syrup can be used as a substitute and will add a slightly richer flavor and deeper color to the bars.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry to make smoother cuts without cracking.

Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 129 reviews

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling to deliver all the flavors of classic pecan pie in an easy-to-serve bar form. Perfect for dessert, these bars are baked to golden perfection and chilled for clean slicing and decadent bites.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 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. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or fingers, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and pea-sized.
3. Press and Bake Crust: Press the crumbly crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake this crust for 18 to 20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden around the edges.
4. Prepare Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk the eggs, light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt together in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Add Pecans: Fold the chopped pecans into the filling mixture evenly.
6. Assemble Bars: Pour the pecan filling over the hot baked crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
7. Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling center is set and does not jiggle when gently shaken.
8. Cool Completely: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for best results. For cleaner slicing, refrigerate for about an hour before cutting into bars.
9. Serve: Enjoy the pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

Notes

• Use cold butter to achieve a tender, flaky crust.
• Ensure the filling is fully set and not jiggly to avoid runny bars.
• Refrigerating before cutting helps create cleaner, neater slices.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For added texture, toast pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.

Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan bars, pecan dessert, easy pecan pie, holiday dessert, nutty dessert bars