If you love the rich, indulgent flavors of traditional pecan pie but want something that's easier to serve and share, Pecan Pie Bars are the answer. These gooey, nutty, and oh-so-delicious treats are packed with flavor, featuring a buttery crust and a perfectly sweet, sticky filling made with corn syrup, sugar, and pecans. Whether you're hosting a gathering or craving a comforting dessert, these bars are guaranteed to please. My father-in-law couldn't help but rave after trying one, calling them "one of the best things I've ever had!"
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars
These bars take everything you love about pecan pie—the golden, nutty filling, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and the delicate sweetness—and make it portable and easy to serve. The best part? You don’t need a pie crust, and there’s no need to worry about slicing a pie neatly. You simply cut these bars into squares, and everyone’s ready for a bite of heaven!
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor
Before you start, here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and its role in creating these perfect pecan pie bars:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the crust, providing structure and a tender bite.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and creates the perfect crumbly texture.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Gives the crust a subtle caramel flavor, complementing the sweetness of the filling.
For the Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup: The key ingredient for the gooey, sweet filling. It helps bind the other ingredients together.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the richness of the butter and cream.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy filling.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Gives the filling a luxurious texture, adding creaminess to every bite.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: These provide structure to the filling, allowing it to set as it bakes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped: The star ingredient! The pecans provide the perfect crunchy texture and nutty flavor that is synonymous with pecan pie.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Stir until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan to form an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1/4 cup heavy cream.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the 2 beaten eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well to incorporate.
- Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust in your baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown on top.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares to ensure the filling sets properly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
- Don’t skip cooling: Let the bars cool fully before cutting to ensure the filling firms up and doesn’t ooze out when sliced.
- Use fresh pecans: Freshly chopped pecans bring out the best flavor and texture. Toast them lightly before adding them to the filling for an extra layer of richness.
- Don’t overbake: The filling should be set, but still soft and gooey. Overbaking will make the filling too firm.
- Chill before serving: For an extra indulgent treat, refrigerate the bars for an hour before serving. The filling firms up even more and creates a smoother texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert, or pair them with a hot cup of coffee for a satisfying afternoon treat. For a twist, drizzle with a bit of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast.
Why These Pecan Pie Bars Are a Must-Try
What makes these Pecan Pie Bars so irresistible? It’s the combination of buttery, flaky crust and the sweet, gooey filling that creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The pecans add a satisfying crunch, while the corn syrup and sugar meld together for that signature caramelized sweetness everyone loves. And because they're so easy to make, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.
Conclusion: Simplicity Meets Deliciousness
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these Pecan Pie Bars are a winner. They take the best parts of pecan pie—its rich filling and crunchy pecans—and turn it into a simple, easy-to-serve treat that everyone will love. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. Bake up a batch today and see why these bars are the talk of the table!