Easy and Delicious Pecan Pie Bars: A Sweet Treat Everyone Will Love

Pecan pie bars are the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth without the hassle of making an entire pie. With a buttery, flaky crust and a gooey, nut-filled filling, these bars offer all the flavors of a classic pecan pie in a convenient, handheld form. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, serving them at a family dinner, or just craving a delicious dessert, these pecan pie bars are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Pecan Filling:

• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions: How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang for easy removal of the bars after baking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
2. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough begins to form. You can do this with your hands or a pastry cutter.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt (if using).
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition.
3. Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Once the crust has slightly cooled, pour the pecan filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling has set and is golden brown. The center should no longer jiggle when gently shaken.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

1. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This ensures that the filling sets properly, making it easier to slice.
2. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars and serve!

Why These Pecan Pie Bars Are So Special

• Rich and Nutty Flavor: These bars combine the sweetness of brown sugar with the crunchy, buttery texture of toasted pecans for a satisfying flavor profile.
• Convenient and Easy: Skip the mess and effort of pie crusts and filling by making these simple, easy-to-serve bars.
• Perfect Texture: The crust is tender and buttery, while the filling is gooey, slightly chewy, and packed with delicious pecans.

Baking Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth, easy-to-work-with dough for the crust.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the crust and filling gently to keep the texture light and prevent the dough from becoming tough.
• Test for Doneness: The bars are done when the filling is golden and firm to the touch. Check with a toothpick if necessary—no wet filling should remain.

How to Store Pecan Pie Bars

1. Once completely cooled, store your pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
2. For extra freshness, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
3. You can also freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to preserve flavor. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different nuts?
Yes! You can swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a unique flavor twist.

2. My bars turned out a bit too soft. What should I do?
If the bars are too soft, they might not have baked long enough. Make sure to bake until the filling is set, and let the bars cool fully before cutting.

3. Can I make these bars in advance?
Absolutely! These bars can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for a few days or even frozen for longer storage.

Why You Should Make These Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars offer all the flavor and indulgence of a pecan pie without the fuss of a traditional pie. Whether you’re baking for a special event or treating yourself to a sweet snack, these bars are easy, delicious, and sure to impress.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect combination of buttery crust, gooey filling, and crunchy pecans. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these pecan pie bars are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.