Southern Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Indulging in Southern Comfort: A Classic Dessert Experience

There’s something undeniably inviting about a good pecan pie, especially when it transforms into the delightful Southern Pecan Pie Bars. Trust me, these bars are everything you love about traditional pecan pie—the sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecans—served conveniently in a bar form. They offer a perfect balance between chewy and crisp, making them just right for a family dessert, a casual get-together, or even a holiday feast.

What makes this treat truly special is its accessibility; you can whip them up without the fuss of rolling out pie crust. In just over an hour, you’ll have a pan of these warm, nutty delights that are bound to impress everyone at your table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Southern Pecan Pie Bars deserve a place in your dessert repertoire for several reasons. For one, they are incredibly simple to make, which makes them a go-to choice for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re planning for a weeknight treat or bringing something sweet to a friend’s gathering, these bars come through perfectly.

Another standout feature is their versatility. These bars are just sweet enough to satisfy your cravings but not overwhelming, so they work beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Plus, they appeal to a range of palates and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!

"These pecan pie bars are the perfect blend of flavor and texture—rich, sweet, and utterly satisfying. My guests couldn’t get enough!" – Sarah, enthusiastic home baker

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Baking Southern Pecan Pie Bars is a straightforward endeavor. Here’s a quick overview of the process: First, you’ll create a buttery crust that serves as a base. After briefly baking the crust, you’ll prepare a sweet pecan filling. Finally, you’ll bake it all together until golden perfection is achieved.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To make Southern Pecan Pie Bars, gather the following essentials:

• 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
• 4 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Substitution options: You can use dark corn syrup for a richer flavor, or replace some of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a twist.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and mix until it reaches a coarse, crumbly texture. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

3. First Bake: Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.

4. Prepare Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the corn syrup, remaining sugars, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla in a large bowl until well mixed. Gently fold in the chopped pecans.

5. Combine and Bake: Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.

6. Cool & Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into squares.

7. Optional Finishing Touch: If you want a fancy touch, lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Best Way to Serve

These Southern Pecan Pie Bars are best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more extravagant presentation, drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate ganache. A side of fresh berries can also complement and balance the sweetness of the bars.

Making the Most of Your Dessert: Storage Tips

To keep your Southern Pecan Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to three months. When reheating, just pop them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to bring back their lovely texture. Always ensure safe food handling practices.

Pro Chef Tips for Success

• Butter Matters: Using chilled butter is essential for a flaky crust—don’t skip this step!
• Even Mixing: Make sure your sugars are thoroughly blended to avoid any granule clumps in your filling.
• Watch the Bake: Monitor the edges closely during the second bake to prevent over-browning.

Creative Twists on the Original

Feeling adventurous? Consider adding a hint of chocolate by folding in chocolate chips along with the pecans. For a spiced version, sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling mix. If you want to make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They are ideal for make-ahead desserts. Store them in an airtight container.

Q: How long should I bake the bars?
Bake for 25-30 minutes after adding the filling, or until you see set filling and golden edges.

Q: Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Definitely! You can substitute with walnuts or almonds if you prefer, but that might give a different flavor and texture.

Q: What’s the best way to cut the bars?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for smooth edges.

Now that you’ve got the rundown on these luscious Southern Pecan Pie Bars, it’s time to indulge in a comforting experience that’s sure to delight everyone around your table. Happy baking!

Southern Pecan Pie Bars

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• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the perfect blend of chewy and crispy with these Southern Pecan Pie Bars, featuring a sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecans.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
• 4 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and salt. Add chilled butter and mix until crumbly. Press this into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, remaining sugars, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until well mixed. Gently fold in chopped pecans.
5. Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until set and edges are golden brown.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment overhang and slice into squares.
7. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Best served slightly warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Store in an airtight container for up to three days, refrigerate for a week, or freeze for three months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

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