Pecan pie bars offer the same irresistible flavor as traditional pecan pie, but in a much more manageable form. As someone who treasures the comforting essence of a home-baked dessert, these bars have become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the holiday season. They’re perfect for gatherings, bringing warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. The rich, buttery base combined with sweet, gooey pecan topping creates a delightful texture that satisfies any sweet tooth.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table

Pecan pie bars are a unique blend of simplicity and indulgence. They’re ideal when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to deal with the fuss of a whole pie. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also budget-friendly, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight treat. The gooey pecans topping is a hit with everyone, especially kids!

"These pecan pie bars are pure magic! So easy to make, and they taste just like autumn in every bite." – Satisfied Baker

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing these decadent pecan pie bars is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll be doing:

Make the crust by mixing melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt.
Press the mixture into the baking pan and pre-bake it.
Create the filling by whisking together corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and chopped pecans.
Pour the filling over the crust and bake until set.
Let it cool before slicing into delicious bars.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these decadent pecan pie bars, gather the following ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Enhances flavor and texture.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and sweetness.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure; sift to remove lumps.
½ teaspoon salt: Elevates the overall flavor.
1 cup corn syrup: Either light or dark works wonderfully.
4 large eggs: Room temperature eggs mix more easily.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: For that aromatic depth.
2 cups freshly chopped pecans: They offer the best flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Pre-bake the Crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and any remaining sugar until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Combine and Bake: Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are starting to caramelize.
Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.

Tips for Serving

Pecan pie bars are versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:

A La Mode: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Drizzle: Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
Pairing: Complement with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai for a cozy afternoon treat.
Garnish: Lightly dust with powdered sugar or serve with fresh whipped cream for added flair.

Best Way to Store Decadent Pecan Pie Bars

To keep your delicious pecan pie bars fresh, follow these simple storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Refrigeration: They can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to avoid moisture loss.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw before serving.

Expert Advice

Sifting Flour: Always sift the flour to eliminate lumps; it helps the crust turn out perfectly.
Nut Freshness: Use freshly chopped pecans, as they provide a richer flavor compared to pre-packaged.
Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing, which helps incorporate air for fluffier filling.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with your pecan pie bars:

Nutty Variations: Substitute half of the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle over the cooled bars for a delightful chocolate-pecan combination.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for warm, cozy flavors.

Your Questions Answered

How long do these bars take to prepare?

Preparation and baking time typically takes about 40-50 minutes. Allow an additional hour for cooling before slicing.

Can I substitute the corn syrup?

You can use maple syrup as a natural alternative, although it will slightly alter the flavor.

How do I ensure my bars aren’t too sticky?

Make sure to bake until the filling is just set. If overbaked, they may become dry, but if undercooked, they can remain sticky.

Enjoy making these decadent pecan pie bars — they’re sure to become a favorite for gatherings or simply a sweet treat at home!

Decadent Pecan Pie Bars

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These pecan pie bars capture the irresistible flavor of traditional pecan pie in a convenient, easy-to-make form, perfect for gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup corn syrup
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups freshly chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until well combined and press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake crust for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and any remaining sugar until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
Pour pecan filling over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until set and edges begin to caramelize.
Allow to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly chopped pecans and always sift the flour to eliminate lumps. Serve warm with ice cream or drizzle with caramel for an added treat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 300
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: pecan pie bars, dessert, holiday baking, sweet treats, easy recipes