Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These simple pecan pie bars combine the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie with the convenience of a handheld treat. They are perfect for holidays, gatherings, or whenever you crave a sweet, satisfying dessert without the fuss of a traditional pie.

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 lightly golden.
4. Step 4: While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt together in a bowl until smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture.
6. Step 6: Pour the 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 does not jiggle.
8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for an hour before cutting into bars.
9. Step 9: Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier crust, use a food processor to pulse the butter and flour mixture quickly before pressing into the pan.
• Swap out pecans for walnuts or a mix of your favorite nuts for a different flavor profile.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for warm spice notes.
• Use dark corn syrup for a richer, deeper flavor in the filling.

Storage

Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat chilled bars in a warm oven for a few minutes if preferred warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the bars too salty.

How do I know when the filling is fully baked?

The filling is set when it no longer jiggles in the center when you gently shake the pan. It should look firm and slightly puffed around the edges.

Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 146 reviews

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich and gooey pecan filling, making a perfect treat for dessert or any time of day. With a straightforward preparation method, they capture the classic flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-cut bar form, ideal for sharing and serving at gatherings or enjoying as a homemade sweet snack.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• 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 crust mixture: In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling coarse crumbs.
3. Press and bake crust: Firmly press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes until it turns lightly golden to form the base.
4. Prepare filling mixture: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and an additional pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Add pecans: Stir the chopped pecans into the prepared filling mixture evenly.
6. Pour filling over crust: Remove the baked crust from the oven and immediately pour the pecan filling over it, spreading it evenly across the surface.
7. Bake bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and does not jiggle when gently shaken.
8. Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for about an hour before cutting.
9. Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature as a delicious dessert or snack.

Notes

• Using cold butter in the crust helps achieve a crumbly, flaky texture.
• You can substitute light corn syrup with an equal amount of golden syrup or honey if desired.
• Make sure the filling is fully set before removing from the oven to avoid runny bars.
• Refrigerating before cutting ensures neat slices without crumbling.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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