Introduction

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling for a delightful treat. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, they offer all the flavors of classic pecan pie in an easy-to-cut bar.

Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 4: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until smooth.
Step 5: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture.
Step 6: Pour the filling over the hot baked crust and spread it evenly.
Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for about an hour before cutting.
Step 9: Serve the pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use toasted pecans for a deeper nutty flavor and added crunch.
Swap light corn syrup for maple syrup for a subtle twist in sweetness.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth.
Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal of bars.

Storage

Store the pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes and will provide their own unique flavor and texture.

How do I know when the filling is done baking?

The filling is ready when it is set and firm to the touch with no jiggle in the center. It may still look slightly soft but will firm up as it cools.

Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 89 reviews

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, sweet pecan filling for a delightful dessert that’s easy to make. Perfect for gatherings or a homemade treat, the bars offer the classic flavors of pecan pie in a portable, sliceable form.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal of bars.
Make crust mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly with pea-sized pieces.
Form and bake crust: Evenly press the crumbly crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden and set.
Prepare filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until smooth and fully combined.
Add pecans: Fold the chopped pecans into the prepared filling mixture evenly, ensuring nuts are well distributed.
Assemble bars: Pour the pecan filling mixture over the hot, baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake filling: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
Cool and refrigerate: Allow the pecan bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For cleaner, neater slices, refrigerate the bars for about one hour before cutting into bars.
Serve: Serve the pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature as a perfect dessert or snack.

Notes

Using cold butter for the crust creates a flakier texture.
For easier slicing, refrigerate the bars after cooling.
You can substitute light corn syrup with golden syrup or maple syrup, but it may slightly change flavor and texture.
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan dessert, easy pecan bars, homemade bars, baked dessert, pecan pie recipe