Get ready to fall head over heels for these Pecan Pie Bars! Everything you adore in a classic pecan pie has been reimagined into handheld squares, bringing together a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling. Each bite delivers that irresistible combination of sweet and nutty flavors, perfect for holidays, parties, or just treating yourself. They’re not only a total crowd-pleaser but also far simpler to serve at gatherings, sparing you the fuss of slicing and serving traditional pie. Let these bars become your new favorite tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet every ingredient earns its spot by creating the legendary flavor and texture of pecan pie bars. You’ll taste the magic in each layer—from the crumbly base to the decadent, caramel-kissed filling.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Vital for a tender crust and a silky filling, use room temperature to blend seamlessly.
Granulated sugar (⅔ cup): Brings subtle sweetness and blends smoothly into the crust for melt-in-your-mouth results.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure for the base, holding everything together while staying perfectly tender.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances and balances the flavors in both the crust and filling—don’t skip this tiny powerhouse!
Eggs (3 large): The magic behind the luscious, rich filling; they set up into a custard that hugs every pecan.
Light corn syrup (1 cup): Adds classic sticky-sweetness and ensures the filling bakes up smooth and glossy.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Infuses deep caramel flavor and moisture, making each bite truly crave-worthy.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Pulls double duty in the filling, delivering a silky mouthfeel and extra richness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complexity, highlighting the natural nuttiness of the pecans.
Pecans (2 cups, chopped): The star of pecan pie bars! Chop roughly for a mix of crunch and texture—you can even toast them for bolder flavor.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and either grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. The parchment makes it a breeze to lift the finished pecan pie bars out and slice them perfectly clean. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did when it’s time to serve!

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it looks light and fluffy—this sets the stage for a melt-in-your-mouth base. Add in the flour and salt, and mix until a crumbly but cohesive dough forms. Press that glorious dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, ensuring you get right up to the edges, then bake for 18–20 minutes. You’re aiming for a light golden hue that promises a crisp foundation.

Step 3: Mix Up the Pecan Filling

While the crust works its magic in the oven, quickly whip up the filling. In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until completely smooth and glossy. Then, fold in the chopped pecans, making sure every bit is coated with that luscious mixture. This combination is the heart and soul of pecan pie bars!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven. Spreading it while the base is still warm helps everything meld together beautifully. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30–35 minutes. When the filling looks golden and softly set (It should jiggle slightly in the center but not slosh around), you’re done. Let the bars cool completely before slicing—this ensures clean cuts and gooey, not runny, filling.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars

Garnishes

For a truly irresistible finish, dust the tops with a little powdered sugar right before serving, or, if you want to up the indulgence, drizzle with melted chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes these pecan pie bars to superstar status at any event.

Side Dishes

Since pecan pie bars are rich and sweet, they pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or robust black tea. For holiday spreads, balance with fresh berries, a fruit salad, or even a citrusy sorbet—each complements the decadent nuts and caramel flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your pecan pie bars into big squares for a classic treat, or slice them into dainty finger-sized rectangles for a dessert platter. Stack them into a towering centerpiece dusted with cinnamon, or bundle individually in parchment and twine as delightful edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Their texture stays fantastic, and the flavors deepen as they rest. Layer with parchment if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing

Pecan pie bars freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to three months—just bring them to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

While these are delicious straight from the fridge (hello, chewy caramel!), you can gently warm your pecan pie bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. The nuts will regain a bit of their crunch and the filling becomes marvelously gooey again.

FAQs

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Yes! Using dark corn syrup will result in a deeper, more robust flavor and a darker filling. It’s an easy swap and will add a touch of molasses warmth—so if that sounds good to you, go for it!

Do I need to toast the pecans before adding them?

Toasting the pecans is optional but highly recommended. It brings out their natural nutty aroma and gives the bars an even richer taste and fantastic crunch. Just spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for about 6–8 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn.

Can I make pecan pie bars gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour in the crust for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy adaptation for friends or family with dietary restrictions.

How do I know when the filling is set?

The filling is done when the top is a deep golden color and just barely jiggles in the center when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so resist the urge to over-bake—soft and slightly gooey is the goal.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! You can double the recipe and bake it in two 9×13-inch pans, or use a larger rimmed baking sheet if your oven allows. The bars are perfect for potlucks and big gatherings, and they hold up well even when made ahead.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about a tray of homemade pecan pie bars that makes any table feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking these for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a pecan pie craving, you’re sure to win rave reviews. Go ahead—give these bars a try and let them become your new signature dessert!

Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, nutty goodness of these Pecan Pie Bars. With a buttery crust and a luscious pecan filling, these bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
⅔ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

For the filling:

3 large eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust: Beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add flour and salt, mix to form a dough. Press into the pan and bake for 18–20 minutes.
Prepare the filling: Whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir in pecans.
Assemble and bake: Pour filling over the crust and bake for 30–35 minutes until set. Cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling.
Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American