Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
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
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
- 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