PECAN BARS

Pecan Bars offer a delicious twist on the classic pecan pie by combining the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a buttery crust in a more convenient form. This easy Fall dessert delivers the same satisfying taste and texture as traditional pecan pie, making them perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. 

Baking pecan pie bars is straightforward, requiring simple ingredients like pecans, sugar, and butter. Their preparation involves creating a simple crust, followed by a gooey, nutty filling that bakes to a delightful golden brown. Easy to make and slice, this pecan bars recipe is ideal for sharing, ensuring everyone gets a piece of this indulgent dessert!

Taste & Texture of Pecan Bars

Pecan pie bars offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crust is buttery and crumbly, providing a satisfying base. The filling is made from a blend of corn syrup, sugar, and eggs. This creates a sweet, caramel-like taste that complements the nuttiness of the pecans.

Not only are pecan pie bars a crowd-pleaser, but they can also be customized with various mix-ins or toppings. From chocolate chips to a drizzle of caramel, the options are endless. They provide a familiar taste, reminiscent of traditional pecan pie, while being easy to cut and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: These tasty pecan pie bars require less effort than a traditional pie, making them ideal for busy bakers. The preparation is minimal and the ingredients are all basic, you may already have most of what you need in your kitchen already!
• Portable Treat: The bar format allows for easy serving and transport, perfect for gatherings, events, or dessert swaps during the holidays.
• Versatile Serving Options: These pecan bars can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, catering to various preferences. They are delicious at any temperature, making them a great addition to any dessert table.

Pecan Pie Bar Ingredients

Crust

Flour: You will need 1 ½ cups of all purpose flour for the structural base of the pie crust.

Sugar: Use ¼ cup of brown sugar to make the crust sweet and chewy.

Salt: Adding ¼ tsp of salt will balance all the flavors in the crust well.

Butter: Bind the crust with a ½ cup of butter and give it the perfect texture.

Filling

Eggs: 2 eggs will bind the filling together and create the classic consistency of this dessert.

Corn syrup: Add ¾ cups of light corn syrup to sweeten and thicken the filling.

Sugar: You’ll need ¾ cups of granulated sugar for added sweetness.

Butter: Use 2 TBSP of melted butter for a slightly richer taste.

Vanilla extract: Enhance all the incredible flavors by adding ¾ tsp of vanilla extract.

Pecans: You will need 1 ¼ cups of chopped pecans so there’s plenty in every slice.

How to Make Pecan Bars

Prep

Get started by preheating the oven to 325 degrees F. 

Then line a 9×13 pan with foil and spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray. (Note: My pics show an 8×8 pan because I halved the recipe. You will need to use a 9×13 pan for the measurements listed above.)

Assemble the crust

In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt.

Next, use a fork to cut in a ½ cup butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Proceed to press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, until even.

Bake

Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Prepare the filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the filling.

In a large bowl, mix the eggs, corn syrup, white sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

After that stir in the chopped pecans.

Pour the filling evenly over the crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Bake, again

Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Pull sides of the foil, remove the bars from the pan, then slice, serve & enjoy!

How long are pecan pie bars good for?

These pecan pie bars can e kept stored well covered or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This should give you plenty of time to make it before a party or enjoy it throughout the week!

Can I freeze pecan bars?

Yes! These bars do really well at freezing. You can freeze them in the pan or as individual slices, depending on which you’d prefer. Wrap it up so that it is airtight and keep it stored for up to 2 months before thawing in the fridge.

What is the secret to making the perfect shortbread crust for pecan pie bars?

A well-made shortbread crust should be crumbly yet sturdy enough to hold the filling. Using a mix of cold butter and chilled ingredients ensures a tender texture. Additionally, chilling the dough before baking helps maintain shape and prevents excessive spreading during cooking.

How can I create pecan pie bars without using corn syrup?

Substituting corn syrup can be achieved with alternatives such as maple syrup, honey, or a mixture of brown sugar and water. Each alternative adds a distinct flavor, so testers can choose based on their preference. Adjusting the amount of other liquids may be necessary to maintain the desired consistency.

Can I modify pecan pie bars recipe to give it a unique twist?

Experimentation can lead to exciting variations. Adding chocolate chips, a splash of bourbon, or incorporating different nuts can elevate the flavor profile. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can provide warmth and depth as well, enhancing the bars’ complexity.

Check out these other Thanksgiving favorites!

• SOFT PUMPKIN GINGERSNAP COOKIES
• LAYERED PUMPKIN ICE CREAM DESSERT
• PUMPKIN OREO BALLS
• BROWN SUGAR ROASTED SWEET POTATOES
• PUMPKIN DINNER ROLLS
• SAVORY CREPES with THANKSGIVING TURKEY & STUFFING
• PUMPKIN SLAB PIE
• BROWN SUGAR WHIPPED CREAM
• ROASTING A PERFECT THANKSGIVING TURKEY
• CREAMY CRANBERRY MOUSSE
• CREAMY POMEGRANATE FRUIT SALAD
• EASY 30-MINUTE DINNER ROLLS
• BEST HOMEMADE CARAMELS RECIPE
• HOMEMADE CREAMED CORN
• FESTIVE CRANBERRY JELL-O
• BEST HOMEMADE THANKSGIVING STUFFING
• BEST MASHED POTATOES RECIPE

Pecan Bars are a tasty and simplified version of your favorite Thanksgiving dessert. This easy Fall dessert is perfect for family gatherings, holiday dessert swaps, or just a sweet treat at home!