The Most Divine & Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Ever

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind when I think about these irresistible pecan pie bars.

Crisp autumn afternoons always called for something sweet and comforting.

Buttery pastry mingles with rich caramel and crunchy pecans in a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite tells a story of traditional Southern baking with a modern twist.

Layers of golden, nutty goodness promise pure indulgence that melts softly on your tongue.

The recipe captures simple ingredients transformed into something magical and utterly delectable.

One taste, and you’ll understand why these bars become an instant favorite at every gathering.

Your Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Questions

• Why are my pecan pie bars crumbly or falling apart?

The key to preventing crumbly bars is ensuring your shortbread crust is firmly pressed into the pan and fully cooled before adding the filling. Use the back of a measuring cup or spoon to compact the crust evenly, creating a solid base that will hold your pecan filling together.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help maintain the texture and structure of the shortbread crust while making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

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

The filling should look slightly jiggly in the center but set around the edges. When you gently shake the pan, it should have a subtle wobble but not be liquid. This typically takes 25-30 minutes in the oven, and the top will have a beautiful golden-brown color.

• What's the best way to cut clean, neat bars?

For perfectly clean cuts, completely cool the bars to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut to create smooth, professional-looking pecan pie bars.

Top Reasons To Love Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

• Craft an Easy Dessert Crowd-Pleaser: These pecan pie bars deliver all the classic flavors of traditional pecan pie with minimal effort, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Speed Through Preparation: Requiring just 45 minutes total and simple ingredients, this recipe offers a quick solution for satisfying sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Convenient Slice-and-Serve Style: Bars eliminate the messiness of traditional pie, allowing easy serving at potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations without needing plates and forks.
• Transform Classic into Contemporary: By converting traditional pecan pie into handheld bars, this recipe provides a modern twist on a beloved southern dessert that appeals to both classic and contemporary taste preferences.

Must-Have Ingredients For Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic base for the buttery shortbread foundation, provides structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp crust.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender base with a golden color.

• Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel notes and moisture to the filling.
• Corn Syrup: Provides a smooth, glossy texture and prevents sugar crystallization.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a silky, luxurious filling.
• Large Eggs: Bind the filling and create a stable, custard-like consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to complement the pecans.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Pecans: Whole, fresh nuts with a rich, buttery flavor that provide crunch and nutty depth to the bars. Choose plump, intact pecans without any rancid smell.

How To Cook Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Warm up the Oven and Prep the Baking Surface

• Cooking spray
• Parchment paper

Coat the pan thoroughly to prevent any sticky situations later.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Melted butter

Blend everything until it looks like moist sand. Press the mixture firmly into the pan, creating an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 15-18 minutes. Let it cool and hang out while you prepare the next layer.

Step 3: Craft the Gooey Pecan Topping

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Heavy cream

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Dash of salt

Fold in chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Layer and Bake to Perfection

Pour the pecan mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it with a smooth, gentle touch. Return to the oven and bake until the filling sets and looks slightly firm in the center, around 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Devour

Allow the bars to cool completely. This patience ensures clean, beautiful slices. Cut into squares and serve. Optional: Add a drizzle of caramel or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Best Tips For Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

• Customize Crust Texture: Swap some all-purpose flour with almond or graham cracker meal for added depth and crunch in the shortbread base.
• Control Sweetness Level: Reduce corn syrup by mixing half corn syrup and half maple syrup to create a more balanced, nuanced flavor profile.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pre-bake the crust until golden to ensure a crisp foundation that won't become wet from the pecan filling.
• Toast Pecans for Depth: Lightly toast pecans before chopping to enhance their natural nutty flavor and add a rich, aromatic dimension to the bars.
• Make Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or ground oats to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

How To Store Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Right

• Refrigerate these delectable pecan pie bars in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
• Carefully wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or place them between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring their chewy texture and rich flavor remain intact.
• When ready to enjoy, let the bars sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly and bring out their full, delicious taste.
• For longer-term storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain their perfect texture and irresistible nutty goodness.

What To Eat With Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

• Brew Bold Coffee Companions: Rich, dark roasted coffee like Colombian or espresso perfectly complements the sweet, nutty pecan pie bars, cutting through the richness and enhancing the dessert's caramel notes.
• Pair with Creamy Bourbon Delight: Smooth bourbon whiskey or a bourbon-based cocktail adds warmth and depth, matching the pie's sweet and buttery flavor profile while providing a sophisticated adult twist.
• Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream Magic: A cold, creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast, melting slightly over the warm pecan bars and adding a luxurious, smooth texture to each bite.
• Sip Tawny Port Elegance: A sweet tawny port wine offers a harmonious blend of caramel and nutty undertones that beautifully echoes the pecan pie bars' rich, indulgent character.

Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Mix-Up Ideas

• Chocolate Chip Pecan Paradise: Sprinkle dark chocolate chips across the crust before adding pecan filling for a rich, decadent upgrade.
• Maple Bourbon Crunch: Replace corn syrup with maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon to intensify the nutty, caramel-like flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Squares: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars and garnish with extra sea salt flakes for a gourmet touch.
• Coconut Pecan Sensation: Mix shredded coconut into the pecan filling and toast the coconut beforehand to enhance its nutty, tropical essence.

Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Pecan pie bars deliver Southern comfort in each delectable bite, blending buttery crust with rich caramel and toasted pecans. Crisp edges and gooey centers make these bars a perfect dessert for family gatherings and holiday celebrations you’ll savor down to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup corn syrup (light or dark)

Filling Ingredients:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Transform the kitchen into a warm, inviting space by heating the oven to a precise 350F (175C), creating the perfect environment for baking.
2. Craft a delicate shortbread foundation by combining flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter into a smooth, cohesive mixture that will cradle the rich pecan topping.
3. Gently press the shortbread mixture into a prepared baking pan, ensuring an even, compact layer that will serve as the crisp base for the dessert.
4. Allow the shortbread crust to develop a light golden hue by baking for 15-18 minutes, then set aside to cool and stabilize its structure.
5. In a simmering saucepan, coax brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream into a luxurious, bubbling harmony, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
6. Remove the sugary mixture from heat and introduce eggs, vanilla, and salt, whisking to create a silky, rich filling that will bind the pecans together.
7. Fold chopped pecans into the luscious filling, ensuring each nut is lovingly coated with the sweet, creamy mixture.
8. Pour the pecan-laden filling over the cooled shortbread crust, spreading it carefully to create an even, tempting layer.
9. Return the pan to the oven, allowing the filling to bake for 25-30 minutes until it sets with a gentle firmness that promises a perfect texture.
10. Exercise patience by letting the bars cool completely, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set to a delectable consistency.
11. Slice the cooled creation into elegant squares, presenting a dessert that balances the richness of pecans with the delicate crunch of shortbread.
12. Elevate the experience by serving the bars as a standalone treat or with a decadent drizzle of caramel or a cloud of whipped cream.

Notes

• Customize the crust by swapping all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable bars.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the filling to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile that elevates the entire dessert.
• Prevent filling from becoming too runny by ensuring eggs are at room temperature and whisking them thoroughly into the sugar mixture, which helps create a stable, smooth texture.
• Achieve perfectly clean cuts by chilling the bars completely in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing, which helps the filling set and makes cutting easier and more precise.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 299
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 143 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg