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If you love traditional pecan pie but want something easier to slice and serve, pecan pie bars are the perfect dessert. With a buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel-like pecan filling, and the rich sweetness of brown sugar and corn syrup, these bars bring the classic flavors of pecan pie into a handheld treat. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No rolling out pie dough or blind baking.
- Perfect for Holidays: A crowd-pleasing dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and potlucks.
- Rich Flavor: The nutty pecans paired with sweet, sticky filling create the ultimate bite.
- Portable: Unlike pie, bars are easy to transport and serve.
Ingredients Breakdown
Understanding why each ingredient is important helps you achieve the best pecan pie bars every time:
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates a sturdy base for the buttery shortbread crust.
- Butter (softened & melted): Adds richness and flavor while keeping the crust tender.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust and balances the filling.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the filling with a deep caramel-like taste.
- Light Corn Syrup: Provides sweetness and helps achieve that gooey pecan pie texture.
- Eggs: Bind the filling and give structure to the bars.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances flavor.
- Chopped Pecans: The star ingredient—nutty, crunchy, and flavorful.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out flavors.
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Tips and Tricks
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easier removal and clean cuts.
- Toast pecans before adding them to enhance their flavor.
- Don’t overbake—remove the bars when the center is just set; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Chill before cutting to get sharp, bakery-style squares.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a richer taste.
- Maple Pecan Bars: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a natural twist.
- Nut Mix: Try a blend of pecans, walnuts, and almonds for variety.
- Salted Caramel Version: Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
Pairing Suggestions
- Coffee or Latte: The bitterness of coffee balances the sweet filling.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A cold, creamy scoop on warm bars makes them irresistible.
- Whipped Cream: Adds lightness to the rich flavors.
- Holiday Cocktails: Pair with eggnog or a bourbon-based drink for festive gatherings.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Popular Questions
1. Can I make pecan pie bars ahead of time?
Yes! They can be baked up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
2. What can I substitute for corn syrup?
Maple syrup or honey can be used, but the filling may be slightly softer.
3. Why are my pecan pie bars runny?
They may be underbaked. Be sure the filling is set before removing from the oven.
4. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the crust.
Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Press mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour filling over the warm crust. Return to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Pre-bake crust for an extra 5 minutes if you prefer a crispier texture.
- Walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans.
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