Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Simple pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, offering the same rich, nutty flavors in a convenient handheld form. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are easy to make and sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.
4. Step 4: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture.
6. Step 6: Pour the filling evenly over the hot baked crust and spread it out.
7. Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for an hour before cutting into bars.
9. Step 9: Serve the pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use toasted pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a richer taste and slightly healthier option.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice note.
• For a gluten-free crust, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Storage

Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw them in the refrigerator before serving. To reheat, warm them slightly in the oven or microwave to restore their soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

How do I ensure the filling sets properly?

Make sure to bake the bars until the center no longer jiggles when gently shaken. Using fresh eggs and baking at the correct temperature also helps the filling set well.

Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 70 reviews

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling to create a delicious twist on the classic pecan pie. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress with their nutty flavor and satisfying texture.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
2. Make Crust Mixture: In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly and sandy.
3. Press and Bake Crust: Evenly press the crumbly crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake it for 18–20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden, then remove from the oven.
4. Prepare Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Add Pecans to Filling: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
6. Assemble Bars: Pour the pecan filling over the hot baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center of the filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
8. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner, easier slicing, refrigerate them for about an hour before cutting into bars.
9. Serve: Serve the pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is cold when cutting into the flour mixture for a crumbly crust.
• Do not overbake; the filling should be just set to keep a nice chewy texture.
• Refrigerating the bars before cutting helps achieve clean slices.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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