Irresistible Buttery Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: Sweet Treats Made Simple

Warm, golden pecan pie bars promise a delectable twist on the classic Southern dessert that will melt in your mouth.

Crisp buttery crust provides the perfect foundation for layers of rich, caramelized pecans.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of sweet and nutty flavors that dance across your palate.

The homemade recipe ensures a fresh, authentic taste far superior to store-bought versions.

Carefully selected ingredients combine to create a decadent treat that feels like a warm hug on a cool afternoon.

Comfort and indulgence merge in these irresistible bars that will become an instant favorite at any gathering.

Prepare to savor a slice of pure, nostalgic bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 17

Pecan Pie Bars Ingredient Lineup

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation for shortbread base with creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp, golden crust with delicate crunch.
• All-Purpose Flour: Delivers sturdy structure and tender crumbly consistency to shortbread layer.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness of crust.

• Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like sweetness with complex molasses undertones.
• Corn Syrup: Creates silky smooth filling and prevents crystallization for glossy texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and provides luxurious custard-like consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and sophisticated flavor complexity.
• Melted Butter: Contributes richness and helps integrate filling ingredients seamlessly.

• Pecans: Delivers nutty, robust flavor with satisfying crackly texture and golden-brown finish.

Tools You’ll Need for Pecan Pie Bars Baking

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect bar size and shape.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining crust ingredients smoothly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing the pecan filling.
• Whisk: Helps blend filling ingredients evenly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees precise ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting bars into clean, neat squares.
• Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly over the crust.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the crust of these pecan pie bars special?

The shortbread crust uses simple ingredients like butter, flour, sugar, and salt, creating a buttery and crumbly base that perfectly complements the rich pecan filling.

• How do I know when the pecan filling is properly baked?

The filling is done when it appears slightly puffed and set, with a slight jiggle in the center that will firm up as it cools. This typically takes about 30-35 minutes in the oven.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or a mix of nuts to create your own variation, though this will change the classic pecan pie bar flavor profile.

• Why is corn syrup used in the filling?

Corn syrup helps create the signature gooey, smooth texture of pecan pie filling and prevents sugar crystallization, ensuring a silky-smooth consistency in the bars.

Bake and Slice Pecan Pie Bars With Precision

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F and get your baking pan ready with a quick parchment paper lining or a light grease.

• Craft the Buttery Base

Whip butter and sugar into a dreamy cream. Fold in flour and salt until the dough feels just right. Press this golden mixture firmly into the pan, creating a smooth, even foundation that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Whip Together the Gooey Goodness

Grab a bowl and blend brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until silky smooth. Toss in those crunchy pecans for a delightful texture explosion.

• Layer the

Pour the pecan mixture over your golden crust, making sure every inch gets some nutty love.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let it transform for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling looks slightly puffy with just a tiny wiggle in the center.

• Chill and Slice

Let the bars cool completely. For clean, crisp cuts, pop them in the fridge for an hour before slicing into delectable squares.

• Indulge and Enjoy

Serve at room temperature and savor every single bite of this nutty, sweet masterpiece.

Add-In Ideas for Your Pecan Pie Bar Batch

• Elevate Your Pecan Bars
• Use room temperature butter for smoother, more evenly mixed crust that creates a perfect golden base. Cold butter can make the dough crumbly and hard to press.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the filling for deeper, nuttier flavor that takes these bars from good to extraordinary.
• These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for best texture.
• Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars or sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the pecan filling for an indulgent variation that adds rich complexity.

Serve These Bars for Holidays or Casual Events

• Dessert Wine Pairing: Choose a sweet dessert wine like Port or Madeira to complement the rich, caramel-like flavors of the pecan pie bars. These wines enhance the nutty sweetness and provide a luxurious tasting experience.
• Seasonal Presentation: Serve these bars during autumn gatherings, garnished with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a small sprig of fresh mint. Arrange on a rustic wooden board for a charming, seasonal display that celebrates the warmth of fall.
• Ice Cream Companion: Top each bar with a scoop of vanilla bean or bourbon vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey pecan filling, creating a delightful sensory experience.
• Coffee Corner Delight: Pair the bars with a strong espresso or rich cappuccino. The bold coffee flavors cut through the sweetness of the pecan bars, creating a balanced and satisfying dessert moment.

Keep Pecan Pie Bars Stored Just Right

• Store bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their crisp texture and delicious flavor profile.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container for convenient storage up to 3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 2-3 days in a sealed container, ensuring they remain fresh and tasty for quick snacking or dessert.
• Prepare the entire batch of pecan bars 24 hours before serving, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper, richer taste sensations.

Buttery Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Delectable Pecan Pie Bars showcase sweet Southern comfort with a buttery crust and rich caramel-like filling. Nutty pecans and a golden base create a portable dessert that brings warmth to holiday gatherings and weeknight treats.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup (133 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (170 grams) light corn syrup
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (226 grams) chopped pecans
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then blend in flour and salt to create a smooth shortbread dough. Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan, using fingertips or a glass to compact the base uniformly.
2. Initial Baking: Roast the crust in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 20 minutes until it turns a delicate golden brown. Remove and let rest momentarily.
3. Pecan Filling Creation: Whisk brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract into a silky mixture. Gently fold in chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
4. Final Assembly and Baking: Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading carefully to create a complete, even layer. Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling puffs slightly and maintains a gentle center wobble.
5. Cooling and Serving: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least one hour to set firmly. Slice into elegant squares or rectangles, serving at room temperature to highlight the rich, nutty flavors.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Use room-temperature butter for smoother, more even mixing in the shortbread crust, preventing lumps and ensuring a uniform texture.
• Prevent Crust Burning: Cover edges with aluminum foil if they start browning too quickly during initial baking to maintain an even golden color.
• Pecan Distribution Technique: Gently fold pecans into the filling to ensure even spread, preventing clusters and creating a consistent nutty bite in every bar.
• Cooling is Crucial: Refrigerate bars for at least an hour to set properly, allowing clean cuts and enhancing the dessert’s structural integrity and flavor melding.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg