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Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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