Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of pecan pie into an easy-to-cut, shareable dessert. With a buttery crust and a rich, gooey filling loaded with pecans, they’re perfect for any occasion.

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 your 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, cubed 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 turns lightly golden.
4. Step 4: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture until well combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot baked crust.
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 when gently shaken.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into bars.
9. Step 9: Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them into the filling.
• If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the brown sugar in the filling by 1/4 cup.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture for a warm spice twist.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing to get clean edges.

Storage

Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. When ready to enjoy, bring to room temperature or serve chilled. They also freeze well for up to 2 months—thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nuts?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans if preferred. Each will provide a slightly different texture and flavor.

How do I know when the pecan filling is done baking?

The filling is done when the center no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. It should look set but still moist.

Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 119 reviews

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet, gooey pecan filling for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for holidays, parties, or any occasion where a classic pecan pie flavor is desired in a convenient bar form.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 20 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 thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the crust mix: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Form and bake the crust: Press this crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes until it turns lightly golden.
4. Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined.
5. Add pecans to filling: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture thoroughly so they are evenly distributed.
6. Assemble and bake: Pour the pecan filling over the hot baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and does not jiggle.
7. Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. For neater, cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for at least one hour before cutting.
8. Serve: Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is cold when cutting into the flour mixture to achieve a crumbly crust texture.
• Do not overbake the crust or it will become too hard and may affect the final texture of the bars.
• Allow bars to cool completely to help the filling set properly.
• Refrigerating before slicing will help produce cleaner bar slices.
• Store pecan pie bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan dessert, pecan bars, easy pecan pie, holiday dessert, pecan filling, baking recipe