Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: Buttery Treats That Melt in Your Mouth

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen sparked my love for these irresistible pecan pie bars that blend Southern comfort with pure indulgence.

Nutty aromas fill the air while buttery crumbles promise delectable moments of pure pleasure.

Crisp pastry layers create a delightful foundation for rich, caramelized pecans dancing across each bite.

Simplicity meets decadence in this crowd-pleasing dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these bars a foolproof treat for novice bakers.

Smooth caramel notes and crunchy pecan textures guarantee a dessert that will disappear faster than you can slice them.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this irresistible sweet sensation.

Steps To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to warm up at 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting extra paper hang over edges for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Craft Crumbly Crust

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt

Mix these dry ingredients. Add cold butter and work it into the mixture until it looks like rough, sandy crumbs.

Step 3: Press Crust Foundation

Transfer the crumbly mixture into the prepared pan. Use your fingers to press it down firmly and evenly, creating a solid base layer.

Step 4: Pre-Bake Crust

Slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust turns a soft golden color. Remove and let it cool slightly.

Step 5: Whip Up Filling

• Eggs
• Corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Add Nutty Goodness

Gently fold chopped pecans into the filling, ensuring even distribution throughout the liquid mixture.

Step 7: Pour and Spread

Carefully pour the pecan-filled mixture over the pre-baked crust. Spread it evenly across the entire surface.

Step 8: Create Decorative Topping

Arrange whole pecans across the top of the filling for a beautiful, professional-looking finish.

Step 9: Optional Sweet Drizzle

If desired, add a light honey drizzle over the top for extra sweetness.

Step 10: Final Baking

Return the pan to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling sets and edges turn a delicate golden brown.

Step 11: Cool and Rest

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely inside the pan.

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire batch out. Slice into neat squares and enjoy your delectable pecan bars.

Tips For Perfect Easy Pecan Pie Bars

• Prep Pan Perfectly: Line the baking pan with parchment paper, letting excess hang over sides for hassle-free removal and clean cutting.
• Master the Crust Technique: Cut cold butter into flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs, then press firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base.
• Balance Filling Consistency: Whisk eggs, corn syrup, and other ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-combined filling that sets perfectly.
• Distribute Pecans Evenly: Gently fold chopped pecans into the filling and strategically place whole pecans on top for beautiful presentation and texture variation.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Let bars cool entirely in the pan to allow filling to set properly, which helps achieve clean, neat squares when cutting.

Tasty Variations Of Easy Pecan Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Pecan Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pecan Bars: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace corn syrup with maple syrup for a plant-based alternative.
• Chocolate Swirl Pecan Bars: Mix melted dark chocolate into half the filling and create a marbled effect before baking for a rich chocolate undertone.
• Bourbon Caramel Pecan Bars: Add a splash of bourbon to the filling and drizzle with homemade caramel sauce for an adult-friendly sophisticated dessert.

Pairings That Work With Easy Pecan Pie Bars

• Brew Bold Coffee Match: Rich, dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances the buttery pecan notes.
• Serve Creamy Vanilla Companion: Smooth vanilla ice cream provides a cool, silky contrast to the warm, nutty bars, delivering a delightful temperature and texture experience.
• Pair Amber Whiskey Delight: Aged bourbon or whiskey with caramel undertones mirrors the bar's sweet and nutty characteristics, elevating the dessert's depth and complexity.
• Select Dessert Wine Harmony: Late harvest Riesling or muscatel wine offers a sweet, fruity counterpoint that complements the pecan's rich, toasted flavor without overwhelming the delicate crust.

How To Store Easy Pecan Pie Bars

• Store leftover pecan bars in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep them chilled to maintain their texture and prevent spoiling.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds at 50% power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain the crust's crispness.
• Warm bars in a preheated 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars FAQ List

• Are pecan bars challenging to make?

No, they’re quite simple! Follow the recipe step by step, and you’ll create delicious bars with ease. The key is preparing the crust and filling carefully.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes. Just chop them to a similar size for consistent texture and flavor.

• How do I know when the pecan bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown edge and a set filling that doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken. The top should look slightly firm but not cracked.

• What makes the crust hold together well?

Cold butter is crucial. Cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a sturdy, crisp base for your bars.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars Reasons To Love

• Blast Through Baking: Incredibly simple recipe perfect for baking newbies and seasoned home cooks alike, requiring minimal culinary skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Guaranteed to impress guests at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations with its classic Southern-style comfort dessert appeal.
• Quick Dessert Solution: Minimal preparation steps and straightforward ingredients make this a stress-free recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Adaptable Indulgence: Flexible recipe allows for easy customization with optional honey drizzle or variations in nut quantities, catering to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What’s In Easy Pecan Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bars.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender crust with a flaky and buttery texture.

• Eggs: Bind the filling ingredients together and provide structure.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures a smooth, glossy filling with a classic pecan bar consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pecans.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth filling texture.

• Pecans (Chopped), Whole Pecans: Deliver nutty flavor, crunch, and visual appeal to the bars.
• Honey (Optional): Adds an extra layer of sweetness and glossy finish to the bars.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55-63 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent easy pecan pie bars elevate classic Southern dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust and rich caramel-like filling. Nutty pecans and sweet caramel create a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Crust:

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

Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Topping:

• 1/2 cup pecans, whole
• 2 tbsp honey (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Create the crust by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crumbly crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring a compact and uniform base.
4. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until it turns a light golden color, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
5. Whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
6. Fold in the chopped pecans, stirring gently to distribute them evenly throughout the filling.
7. Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
8. Arrange whole pecans on top of the filling for an elegant and decorative finish.
9. Drizzle honey over the top of the bars for added sweetness (optional).
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
12. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then slice into squares for serving.

Notes

• Chill the butter before cutting into the crust mixture to ensure a flakier, more tender base that crumbles perfectly.
• Toasting pecans before adding them to the filling intensifies their nutty flavor and provides a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• For gluten-free variations, swap wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to make the bars accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
• Control sweetness by reducing corn syrup and adding a splash of bourbon or maple syrup for a sophisticated flavor twist that elevates the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-48 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 297 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 114 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg