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Simple Pecan Pie Bars 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.

Ingredients

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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