Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Pecan Pie Bars combine the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie with the convenience of a handheld treat. With a crispy crust and a gooey, nutty filling, these bars are perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups light or dark corn syrup
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Prepare the crust by mixing the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and finely chopped pecans in a bowl. Cut in the room temperature butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake the crust for 18 to 22 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown.
4. Step 4: While the crust bakes, whisk together the brown sugar and salt for the filling. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Stir in the corn syrup and maple syrup until smooth, then fold in the chopped pecans.
5. Step 5: Pour the pecan filling over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted about an inch from the edge comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares with a sharp knife.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra crunchy crust, toast the finely chopped pecans before adding them to the crust mixture.
• If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half of the butter in the crust with browned butter.
• Try using dark corn syrup for a deeper, caramel-like taste in the filling.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice note.

Storage

Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve, bring them to room temperature or warm slightly in the oven for a few minutes. These bars also freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely. Walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute, offering a slightly different texture and flavor but still delicious.

Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 89 reviews

Delicious and buttery pecan pie bars featuring a crisp crust topped with a rich, sweet pecan filling made with a blend of corn syrup, maple syrup, and plenty of chopped pecans. Perfect for dessert or a holiday treat, these bars combine the classic flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-slice bar form.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars (2×2 inch squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned & leveled)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup butter, (room temperature)

Filling Ingredients

• 2/3 cup brown sugar, (packed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cup light or dark corn syrup
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350° Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature while you prepare the crust.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and finely chopped pecans. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Evenly sprinkle this mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking dish, patting down to create a firm, even crust that covers the bottom and curves slightly up the edges. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown.
3. Mix the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the brown sugar and salt in a separate bowl. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. Then gradually stir in the corn syrup and maple syrup. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared filling over the hot crust immediately after removing it from the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The bars are done when a knife inserted about one inch from the edge comes out clean.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow the pecan pie bars to cool completely at room temperature. For best slicing results, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting into squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is at room temperature to properly cut into the dry ingredients for a tender crust.
• Using an ungreased pan helps the crust set firmly and makes it easier to slice the bars cleanly.
• For best flavor, allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating and slicing.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Maple syrup adds a depth of flavor but can be substituted with more corn syrup if unavailable.

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