If there’s one treat that brings comfort with every bite, it’s pecan pie. But let’s be honest: pies, with their delicate crusts and filling, can be a bit intimidating (and time-consuming). Enter Pecan Pie Bars! These bars capture all the flavors and textures of a traditional pecan pie but in a much easier, hand-held version. Perfect for Thanksgiving, gatherings, or just an average Tuesday when you’re craving something special. Plus, they come together in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, cold (about 10 2/3 tablespoons)
Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cups chopped pecans
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with heavy-duty foil or parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy lifting. Give the lining a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two knives (or pop it all in a food processor if you want it even quicker!) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Evenly press this crumbly mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it out into a compact layer.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is light golden brown.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, both sugars, melted butter, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir in the chopped pecans. When the crust comes out of the oven, pour this pecan mixture over the hot crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set. You’re looking for a firm center—so if you give the pan a gentle shake, there shouldn’t be any jiggling. If the top starts to look too brown, just cover it with a bit of foil to prevent burning.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out by grabbing the edges of the parchment or foil, and slice into bars with a sharp knife.
Helpful Tips
- Cold Butter for the Win: Using cold butter for the crust helps achieve that tender, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
- Cutting Clean Bars: For a clean slice, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Letting the bars cool completely will make slicing easier and ensure the filling holds up.
Substitutions and Variations
- Corn Syrup Alternatives: If you prefer, try honey or maple syrup in place of the corn syrup for a different depth of flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Chocolate lovers can sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips into the filling for an extra treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, if salted butter is what you have, go ahead and use it! Just skip the 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the crust.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars keep well, and the flavors even improve overnight. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars?
Yes, they freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
With these Pecan Pie Bars, you get all the warm, gooey, nutty goodness of a pecan pie without the fuss of rolling out a crust or worrying about slicing a perfect wedge. One bite, and you’ll find it’s like enjoying the best part of pecan pie in every single square!
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Best-Ever Pecan Pie Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the classic, rich flavors of pecan pie in easy, hand-held form. With a buttery shortbread crust and gooey, nutty pecan filling, these bars are perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or any time you’re craving pecan pie without the fuss of slicing. Quick, easy, and sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, cold (10 2/3 tablespoons)
Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 2/3 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving extra for easy lifting. Spray with cooking spray.
- For the crust, combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, both sugars, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Spread the filling over the hot crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set. If the top begins to brown too much, cover with foil.
- Cool completely on a wire rack, then slice into bars and serve!
Notes
- Use cold butter in the crust for a perfect texture.
- For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.
- Let the bars cool completely to ensure they hold up when sliced.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg