Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These simple pecan pie bars offer all the rich, nutty flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient, handheld form. With a buttery crust and gooey filling, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying as an everyday treat.

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 onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. Step 4: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt 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, spreading it 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 one hour before cutting.
9. Step 9: Serve the pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.
• Substitute maple syrup for corn syrup for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Use a food processor to quickly cut the butter into the flour mixture for an easier crust.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spicy twist.

Storage

Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, let them come to room temperature or enjoy them chilled. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nuts?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just be sure to chop them finely for even distribution.

Do I have to refrigerate the bars before cutting?

Refrigerating helps achieve cleaner slices by firming up the filling, but you can cut them once cooled if you prefer. Just be gentle to prevent crumbling.

Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 66 reviews

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet, gooey pecan filling to create a delicious dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a rich blend of brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla, this classic pecan pie filling is baked on a crisp shortbread base and cut into convenient bars for sharing.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 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 brown sugar, packed
• 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) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press and Bake Crust: Evenly press the crumbly crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns a light golden color.
4. Prepare 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 well combined.
5. Add Pecans: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture evenly.
6. Assemble Bars: Pour the pecan filling over the hot, baked crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the crust surface.
7. Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center of the filling is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan.
8. Cool: Allow the pecan pie bars to cool completely in the pan to room temperature. For cleaner slicing, refrigerate the bars for at least one hour before cutting.
9. Serve: Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature as a rich and satisfying dessert.

Notes

• Use cold butter to help achieve a crumbly, flaky crust.
• Ensure the filling is fully set by testing that it doesn’t jiggle before removing from the oven.
• Refrigerating before cutting helps to create clean slices without crumbling.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For a nut-free version, substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds or omit entirely.

Keywords: pecan pie bars, easy pecan dessert, pecan bar recipe, nutty dessert bars, homemade pecan bars