Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: Pecan Pie Bars! They’re like a slice of heaven wrapped in a buttery crust, and honestly, I could eat them every day. The sweet, gooey filling just melts in your mouth, while the pecans add that perfect crunch. What I love most is their versatility—whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a fancy holiday dinner, these bars are always a hit. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll find yourself sneaking bites straight from the pan!

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Pecan Pie Bars! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, chopped (feel free to go as chunky or fine as you like!)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure you’ve got everything on hand before diving in—trust me, you’ll want to have these goodies ready to go!

How to Prepare Pecan Pie Bars

Getting ready to make these Pecan Pie Bars is half the fun! The process is simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a baking pro by the end. Let’s break it down step by step so you can confidently create these delicious treats!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly and perfectly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix everything together until it resembles coarse crumbs. It should feel a little sandy but hold together when you squeeze it!
Next, take that crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish. You want it nice and even, so don’t rush this step—it makes for a great foundation!
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden color, which means it’s ready for the next step.
While the crust is baking, let’s whip up the filling! In another bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and well combined. This filling is where the magic happens!
Now, stir in your chopped pecans. This is where you can really get creative—feel free to go wild with the pecan pieces!
Once your crust is out of the oven, carefully pour the gooey pecan filling over the baked crust. It’ll look so inviting, you might want to sneak a taste!
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center—don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools!
Finally, let your Pecan Pie Bars cool completely in the dish before cutting them into squares. This will help them hold their shape and make for beautiful bars!

And there you have it! Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to enjoying some scrumptious Pecan Pie Bars that everyone will love. Just wait until the aroma fills your kitchen—it’s heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So easy to make—you’ll have them ready in no time!
Deliciously sweet with that perfect gooey texture that everyone loves.
Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch that complements the filling beautifully.
Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to holiday parties.
They slice beautifully into bars, making them easy to serve and share.
Leftovers (if there are any!) store well for a tasty treat later on.
Versatile enough to dress up with whipped cream or served plain—either way, they’re a hit!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Pecan Pie Bars turn out perfectly every single time, here are some of my top tips that I’ve learned from my own baking adventures:

Press evenly: When you’re pressing the crust into the baking dish, make sure it’s evenly distributed. This helps it cook uniformly, giving you a sturdy base for your bars.
Watch the baking time: Ovens can be tricky! Keep an eye on your bars during that last 25-30 minutes of baking. The filling should be set but still a bit jiggly in the middle—trust me, it’ll firm up as it cools.
Let them cool: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the bars cool completely in the dish is key. This helps them hold their shape when you cut them into squares.
Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh pecans and high-quality butter. These little details can elevate the flavor of your bars immensely!
Experiment with toppings: Don’t shy away from adding a little whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel on top before serving. It’s an easy way to take your bars to the next level!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a Pecan Pie Bar pro before you know it. Happy baking!

Variations of Pecan Pie Bars

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with these Pecan Pie Bars! Here are some of my favorite twists that’ll keep your taste buds excited:

Chocolate Chip Delight: Stir in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the filling for a rich, decadent twist. The gooey chocolate pairs wonderfully with the pecans!
Maple Pecan Bars: Swap out the corn syrup for pure maple syrup. This adds a lovely depth of flavor that’s perfect for fall or any time you want that cozy vibe.
Nutty Medley: Experiment with different nuts! Try adding walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts along with or instead of pecans for a delightful crunch.
Coconut Pecan Bars: Toss in some sweetened shredded coconut for an unexpected tropical flair. It adds a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness that really rounds out the flavor.
Spiced Pecan Bars: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Fruit Infusion: Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins to the filling for a touch of tartness that complements the sweetness beautifully.

These variations are a great way to personalize your Pecan Pie Bars and impress your friends and family with your creativity. So, don’t hesitate to experiment and find your own favorite combo! Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious Pecan Pie Bars properly is essential to keep them fresh and tasty! Here’s how I do it:

Cool Completely: Make sure your bars are completely cooled before storing. This helps prevent any condensation that could make them soggy.
Airtight Container: Place the cooled bars in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper if you want to prevent sticking.
Refrigerate: These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’re just as good chilled, so don’t worry if you like them cold!
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Pecan Pie Bars, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information for Pecan Pie Bars

Let’s talk numbers! Understanding the nutritional information can give you a better idea of what’s in these delightful Pecan Pie Bars. Here’s an estimate of what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 250
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 100mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

Keep in mind, these values can vary based on ingredient brands and any variations you might make. But knowing this info can help you enjoy your Pecan Pie Bars a little more mindfully. Enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

I love sharing my Pecan Pie Bars, and I often get questions about them! Here are some of the most common queries I’ve received, along with my best answers to help you enjoy these treats even more:

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. It works just as well, and you won’t miss a beat on flavor!

What if I don’t have corn syrup?

No problem! You can substitute the corn syrup with maple syrup or honey. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still be delicious!

Can I use different nuts?

Of course! While pecans are traditional, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or any nuts you love. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit with each type!

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

They’re done when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if it looks a bit soft right out of the oven!

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars store beautifully, so you can make them a day or two in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to enjoy!

What’s the best way to serve them?

These bars are great on their own, but I love serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It adds a delightful creaminess that pairs perfectly with the sweet filling!

Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars?

Yes, you can! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge!

These answers should help clear up any questions you might have about making and enjoying your Pecan Pie Bars. If you have more, don’t hesitate to reach out—happy baking!

Pecan Pie Bars: 7 Irresistibly Gooey Treats to Savor

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

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious pecan pie bars with a buttery crust and sweet filling.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix flour, butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly.
Press the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Bake for 15 minutes.
In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
Stir in chopped pecans.
Pour the filling over the baked crust.
Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes.
Cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.
Can be served warm or cold.
Top with whipped cream for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Pecan Pie Bars, dessert, baking, bars

Spread the love