Pecan Pie Bars Recipe | A Sweet and Nutty Dessert

Last weekend, I wanted to bake something sweet but not too fussy, so I tried making Pecan Pie Bars. They were an instant hit. The crust was buttery, the pecan topping was rich and nutty, and every bite had that classic pecan pie taste without the hassle of rolling out a traditional pie crust. These bars are simple to prepare and are perfect for sharing at gatherings, holidays, or even just as a treat with coffee.

If you have ever enjoyed Lemon Crumb Bars or any kind of dessert bar recipe, you’ll love how this pecan bars fit right into that same easy to make and crowd-pleasing category. They are rich, gooey, and taste like fall in every square.

Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Pie Bars are one of those desserts that give you everything you love about pecan pie but in a more convenient form. They are portable, easy to cut into squares, and perfect for serving a crowd. The bars start with a shortbread crust that is buttery and crumbly. On top, you’ll find a sweet and nutty pecan filling that bakes into a chewy layer of goodness.

The balance between the crisp crust and the gooey topping is what makes them so irresistible. Unlike a pie, you can pick them up with your hands, making them great for parties or potlucks. Plus, you don’t need to worry about pie crusts turning soggy.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these bars at home:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecans, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these bars is simple and the steps are straightforward. Here’s how I made them:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will make it much easier to lift the bars out later for slicing.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and softened butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend everything together until the mixture looks crumbly but starts to hold when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. This creates a sturdy base for the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans until they are well coated. The filling will be glossy and slightly thick.

Step 4: Add the Filling and Bake

Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch. The edges will be golden, and the center should not jiggle when you shake the pan gently.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This step is important because the filling needs time to firm up. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars

• Use parchment paper: It makes removing and slicing the bars much easier.
• Chop pecans evenly: This helps create a uniform layer in every bite.
• Cool before slicing: Cutting too soon will cause the filling to spill out.
• Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Storing and Freezing

These bars keep well, which makes them great for make-ahead desserts. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate them where they will last up to a week.

You can also freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to three months.

Variations

Pecan Pie Bars are easy to adapt to your taste. Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars for extra sweetness.
• Maple Twist: Replace some of the corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
• Nut Mix: Combine pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different texture.
• Mini Bars: Bake them in a smaller pan for thicker bars, or use a muffin tin for individual servings.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.

Q: Do I have to use corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps bind the filling, but you can substitute with maple syrup or honey. Just note that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Q: Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?
You can, but chopped pecans spread more evenly across the bars and make them easier to slice.

Q: How do I know when the bars are done?
The filling should be set and no longer jiggly in the center. The edges will look golden brown.

Why You Should Try Pecan Pie Bars

If you love the taste of pecan pie but want something easier to serve, Pecan Pie Bars are the answer. They capture the sweet, nutty flavor in every square while being much simpler to bake. Unlike pies, they don’t require rolling or crimping crusts, which makes them beginner-friendly.

They also fit right alongside other bar desserts like Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars, and bring a rustic, homemade feel to any table. These bars are as great for holidays as they are for casual family desserts.

Final Thoughts

Pecan Pie Bars are one of those recipes that you’ll want to make again and again. They are sweet, nutty, and easy enough to bake on a weekday but special enough for holidays. With their buttery crust and gooey filling, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or just treating your family at home, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.