If you’re dreaming about homemade pecan pie but want something simpler, these Easy Pecan Pie Bars are for you! Imagine all the gooey, nutty, caramel-like richness of classic pecan pie packed into bite-sized bars that are perfect for sharing (or, let’s be honest, sneaking from the fridge late at night). These bars are buttery, sweet, rich, and absolutely irresistible—an ideal treat for holidays, potlucks, or snacking with a hot cup of coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of pantry basics and some lovely pecans, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these Easy Pecan Pie Bars come together. Every ingredient plays a deliciously important role, from the crisp crust to the luscious filling bursting with pecans and brown sugar.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Makes the crust melt-in-your-mouth rich—use good-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Granulated sugar (⅔ cup): Sweetens the crust without overpowering the nutty notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Gives the bars structure and that classic shortbread feel.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and brings out the buttery, delicious flavors.
- Large eggs (3): Hold the filling together and create that signature pecan pie texture.
- Light corn syrup (1 cup): Essential for that glossy, chewy consistency in the filling.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Adds wonderful caramel richness and depth to every bite.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Provides extra smoothness and richness to the gooey filling.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A little vanilla rounds out the flavors and makes everything taste homemade.
- Chopped pecans (2 cups): The star! Fresh, crunchy, and loaded into every bite for that pecan pie experience.
How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready for baking magic. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper (for super-easy lifting later) or give it a light greasing. This makes sure your bars come out picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step is key for creating that tender shortbread texture. Add in the flour and salt, stirring just until the dough becomes soft, crumbly, and ready to press into your prepared baking dish. Use clean hands or the back of a spatula to spread and press the dough into an even layer, making sure it goes all the way to the edges for a perfect foundation.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Slide the crust into your hot oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until you see gentle golden edges forming. You’re just wanting to set it—don’t let it get too dark, since it’ll return to the oven later! Meanwhile, get going on that dreamy filling.
Step 4: Whip Up the Pecan Filling
Grab another bowl and whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Once smooth, stir in the chopped pecans until everything’s beautifully coated—this is the gooey, nutty mixture that transforms these bars into a true pecan pie experience.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pecan filling right over your hot crust, gently spreading it evenly. It’s okay if it seems a bit runny; the oven will work its magic. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 more minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set and the top is golden-brown, shimmering with caramelized sugars. Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this part tests your patience, but it’s worth it!
Step 6: Cut into Bars and Enjoy
Once cool, lift the bars out (thanks, parchment paper!) and transfer to a cutting board. Slice them into neat squares or rectangles, and get ready for compliments! These Easy Pecan Pie Bars are just as perfect for gifting to friends as they are for keeping all to yourself.
How to Serve Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Garnishes
Add a finishing touch by drizzling cooled bars with melted chocolate for extra decadence, or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the pecans’ flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes these bars an elegant dessert for special occasions too.
Side Dishes
Pair Easy Pecan Pie Bars with simple sides that bring balance, like a bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of light sorbet, or strong coffee or tea. These options help cut through the sweetness and highlight the irresistible nutty flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your bars on a rustic wooden board at a potluck, stack them in parchment-lined boxes for gifting, or layer bars with ice cream and caramel in dessert cups for a playful trifle. However you serve them, these Easy Pecan Pie Bars never fail to wow a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, pop your Easy Pecan Pie Bars into an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, they’ll stay delicious for up to three days. Prefer them chilled? Stash them in the fridge and enjoy an extra-fudgy texture for up to one week.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, these bars freeze wonderfully! Simply wrap them tightly, layer with parchment, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw bars at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
While they’re delicious cold, if you want a just-baked taste, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop a tray in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This brings out the rich, buttery aroma and makes every bite extra cozy.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will create a deeper, slightly more robust flavor and a darker filling color. It’s great if you prefer a richer taste—just swap it 1:1 for the light corn syrup.
Can I make Easy Pecan Pie Bars gluten-free?
Yes! Try using your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. The result will still be tender and delicious, though the texture may vary slightly depending on your flour choice.
Can I substitute walnuts or another nut?
Of course. While pecans give these bars their classic Southern charm, walnuts or even a mix of nuts work beautifully. Just use the same total amount of chopped nuts for the best structure and crunch.
Do I need to refrigerate these bars?
It’s not required if you plan to eat them within three days, but refrigerating Easy Pecan Pie Bars will help them keep longer and gives them an extra-chewy texture. Either way, keep them in a tight container so they stay fresh.
Why did my pecan pie bars turn out runny?
If the filling isn’t fully set before cutting, the bars can be too soft. Make sure to bake them until the center only slightly jiggles and let them cool completely before slicing. This ensures neat, perfect bars every time.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Pecan Pie Bars are pure comfort in dessert form—they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds). If you’re craving that classic pecan pie experience without the fuss, give this recipe a try. And don’t be surprised when they become your new go-to for every gathering and cozy night in!
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
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of these Easy Pecan Pie Bars that are perfect for any occasion. With a flaky crust and a gooey pecan filling, these bars are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or greasing.
- Make the crust: Cream together butter and granulated sugar, then mix in flour and salt to form a dough. Press the dough into the baking dish and bake until golden.
- Prepare the filling: Whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the pecan filling over the hot crust and bake until set and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week.
- For added decadence, drizzle cooled bars with melted chocolate.
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