If you’ve been searching for a dessert that captures the rich, buttery goodness of pecan pie but in a convenient, sliceable form, then this Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. It turns all those luscious pecan pie flavors into a portable, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, casual get-togethers, or just a sweet snack to brighten your day. With its crisp buttery crust edged by a gooey, nutty filling, these bars have a way of making every bite a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor. The butter brings richness and tender crumb, while the combination of granulated and brown sugar creates balanced sweetness and depth. Corn syrup adds that classic sticky finish, and pecans provide the signature crunch that defines this dessert.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Gives the crust a rich, tender base and helps bind ingredients together perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that delightful crumbly texture in the crust.
- All-purpose flour (2 2/3 cups, divided): Forms the sturdy crust and thickens the filling for the right consistency.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing out the sweetness of the sugars and corn syrup.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the filling ingredients together and give a lovely structure to the bars.
- Light corn syrup (1 cup): Creates the signature gooey, sticky texture that pecan bars are known for.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds molasses notes that deepen the flavor experience.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and rounds out the overall sweetness with a wonderful aroma.
- Chopped pecans (2 cups): The star ingredient, providing satisfying crunch and toasty nuttiness in every bite.
How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang on the sides for easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, 2 1/4 cups of flour, and salt. Stir them until a crumbly dough forms; this will be your crust. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to evenly press the dough across the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a firm layer. Bake this crust for 18 to 20 minutes until it turns lightly golden and sets up nicely.
Step 2: Mix the Pecan Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, remaining 1/3 cup of flour, and chopped pecans in a large bowl. This combination becomes the lush, sticky topping that makes pecan bars irresistible. For even more flavor, you might toast the pecans briefly in a dry skillet to bring out their natural nuttiness before adding them in.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
As soon as the crust comes out of the oven, pour your pecan filling mixture evenly over the hot crust. The warmth helps the filling soak lightly into the crust for a seamless texture. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top looks golden and bubbly. This step is key to achieving that perfect balance of gooey and firm textures.
Step 4: Cool and Cut
Once out of the oven, it’s super important to let the bars cool completely in the pan. This resting time lets everything set perfectly, so your bars won’t fall apart when cut. When cooled, gently lift the whole block out using the parchment paper edges as handles and slice into squares. Now the bars are ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars shine on their own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the crunchy texture and rich sweetness. You might also sprinkle a few toasted pecans on top before serving for a beautiful, rustic look that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk to balance out the sweetness. If serving at a gathering, fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears can provide a fresh, juicy counterpoint that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the bars on a festive platter with autumn leaves or nuts scattered artfully around for a seasonal vibe. Cutting the bars into mini squares or triangles can make them more bite-sized and party-friendly. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming homemade gift, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your pecan pie bars will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’re planning to enjoy them over a longer period, refrigeration extends their freshness to about a week without losing that wonderful texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When properly stored, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating
When you want to bring frozen bars back to life, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. You can enjoy them cold or warm them briefly in the microwave or oven for a freshly baked feel. Just a few seconds in the microwave can revive their gooey goodness beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute corn syrup with honey or maple syrup?
While corn syrup is traditional for that signature gooey texture, you can use honey or maple syrup in a pinch, but it may change the texture and flavor slightly. Honey will add floral notes, whereas maple syrup gives a deeper sweetness. Expect a slightly less set filling.
What’s the best way to chop pecans for this recipe?
Use a sharp knife to roughly chop pecans into bite-sized pieces to ensure you get a good crunch without making them too small. Toasting them beforehand enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful aroma to your bars.
Can I make the crust gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Keep in mind this might slightly affect the texture, but gluten-free pecan bars can be just as delicious!
How do I know when the filling is fully baked?
The filling should be golden on top and look set—not jiggly—in the center. It will firm up further as it cools, so slight wobble is okay when you take it out, but it shouldn’t be liquidy.
Can these bars be made ahead for a party?
Absolutely! These bars are great for making a day or two in advance. Store them wrapped tightly at room temperature or refrigerated, and they will taste just as wonderful as freshly baked.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is one of those sweet little discoveries that makes life just a bit sweeter, simpler, and more joyful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a quiet moment alone, these bars offer a perfect blend of buttery crust, gooey filling, and crunchy pecans that feel like a warm hug in dessert form. I can’t wait for you to try making them and share this delicious tradition in your own kitchen!
Print
Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling for a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty treat, these bars bake up golden and bubbly, then cool into perfectly portioned squares that are easy to serve and enjoy.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, 2 1/4 cups of the flour, and salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes until it is lightly golden. This step ensures a firm base that won’t get soggy once the filling is added.
- Make filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, the remaining 1/3 cup flour, and chopped pecans in a large bowl until well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot crust immediately after removing it from the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes. The filling should be set in the center and the top golden and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and cut into 24 squares for serving.
Notes
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding to the filling to enhance their flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week to keep them fresh longer.
