Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
These Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the rich, gooey goodness of classic pecan pie in an easy, handheld bar! Featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a sweet, caramel-like pecan filling, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you’re craving a cozy Southern-style dessert. Simple, decadent, and irresistibly chewy!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- Butter
- Flour
- Granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt
For the filling:
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Corn syrup or maple syrup
- Chopped pecans
- Vanilla
- A little melted butter
- Salt
Instructions
1. Prep your pan
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some extra paper on the sides so you can lift the bars out later. Lightly spray the paper. This keeps the crust from sticking.
2. Make the crust
- Mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and mix until the mixture looks crumbly. Press it into the pan with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Press firmly so the crust stays even.Bake the crust until it looks set around the edges. It should not brown much. You’re not cooking it fully yet. You’re only giving it a head start so it holds the filling.
3. Mix the filling
- Whisk the eggs, brown sugar, syrup, vanilla, salt, and melted butter. Don’t whisk too hard or you’ll create too much foam. Add the chopped pecans and stir. The filling should look glossy and smooth.
4. Pour and bake
- Pour the filling over the hot crust. Spread the pecans evenly so they don’t crowd in one spot. Bake until the center looks set. It should not jiggle like liquid. A small wobble is fine. The top will look slightly caramelized.
5. Cool fully
- This step matters for clean slices. Cool the pan at room temperature. Then chill it in the fridge. Cold bars cut much cleaner than warm bars.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
- Toast pecans lightly to enhance nuttiness before mixing.
- Line the pan with parchment for easy removal and clean slicing.
- Let the bars cool completely to help the filling set firmly.
- Swap corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness.
- Chill bars briefly before cutting to reduce stickiness.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
- Refrigerate if you prefer a firmer texture or longer storage.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~320Carbohydrates: ~36g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugars: ~24g
Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~18g
Saturated Fat: ~5g
Cholesterol: ~35mg
Sodium: ~110mg
Potassium: ~105mg
Calcium: ~30mg
Iron: ~1mg