Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars offer all the delicious flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient, easy-to-cut bar form. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a sweet treat anytime, they combine a buttery crust with a rich, nutty filling.

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 the 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 separate bowl until smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture until evenly combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the filling over the hot, baked crust and spread it evenly across the surface.
7. Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for about an hour before cutting into bars.
9. Step 9: Serve the pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the chopped pecans lightly before mixing them into the filling.
• Swap half the pecans for walnuts if preferred.
• Use dark corn syrup for a deeper, richer flavor in the filling.
• Ensure butter is cold when cutting into the flour to achieve a tender, flaky crust.

Storage

Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, let them come to room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Can I prepare the crust and filling ahead of time?

You can prepare the crust and filling separately and refrigerate them overnight, then assemble and bake the next day for convenience.

Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 138 reviews

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-cut bar form. A buttery, crumbly crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling makes for a perfect dessert or snack. Easy to prepare and bake, they’re ideal for gatherings or a sweet treat anytime.

• Author: Maya
• 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
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Filling

• 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. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the bars come out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling coarse crumbs.
3. Bake the crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden brown.
4. Make the filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
5. Add pecans: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture, ensuring they are well distributed.
6. Combine and spread: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot, baked crust. Spread it gently with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
7. Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan.
8. Cool the bars: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner, easier slices, refrigerate for about an hour before cutting.
9. Serve and enjoy: Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature for a delicious pecan pie experience in bar form.

Notes

• Using cold butter helps achieve a crumbly, tender crust.
• Refrigerating before cutting prevents the filling from sticking and helps get neat slices.
• You can substitute light corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile, though texture may vary slightly.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan dessert, easy pecan pie, bake pecan bars, holiday dessert, pecan treat, bar cookie, pecan pie recipe