Pecan pie is a beloved dessert, especially around the holidays, with its rich, nutty filling and buttery crust. But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of traditional pecan pie in a fun, bite-sized form? Enter Pecan Pie Bars — the perfect combination of a crisp shortbread crust and a gooey, sweet pecan filling. These bars are the ideal dessert for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion when you’re craving something indulgent but easy to share.
The buttery shortbread crust is the perfect base for the sweet, nutty filling, making each bite a satisfying treat. If you love the combination of crunchy pecans and a rich, syrupy filling, these bars will quickly become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. This size will give you plenty of bars to share with family and friends.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry blender, fork, or your hands, mix until the ingredients form a crumbly dough. It’s important that the butter is softened to room temperature to ensure the dough comes together properly.
3. Press the Dough into the Pan
Once the dough is ready, press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, making sure to cover the entire base. This will form the shortbread crust for your bars. Be gentle, as you want an even layer, but don’t press too hard.
4. Bake the Crust
Place the crust into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook — the crust should remain firm, but not overly dark.
5. Prepare the Pecan Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and fully combined. The corn syrup and brown sugar will give the filling its signature rich and sweet flavor, while the vanilla adds a subtle warmth.
6. Add the Pecans
Once the filling mixture is smooth, stir in the chopped pecans. The pecans will create the perfect texture and flavor for the filling, giving it that irresistible crunch.
7. Assemble the Bars
After the crust has baked, pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot crust. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer, ensuring that all the crust is covered. The pecan filling will spread and bake beautifully over the shortbread.
8. Bake the Pecan Pie Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. The top should be slightly bubbly and firm to the touch, but not too jiggly. The filling will continue to set as it cools, so don’t worry if it’s a bit soft right out of the oven.
9. Cool and Slice
Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial to ensure the filling has fully set and the bars hold together when sliced. Once cooled, slice into 24 bars (or larger squares if you prefer), and serve!
Notes:
- Storage: These bars keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also store them in the fridge if you prefer a firmer filling, which is especially nice during warmer months.
- Make Ahead: Pecan pie bars are great for prepping in advance! You can make them a day or two ahead of time, which makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or busy events.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make these bars gluten-free, simply swap out the regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you use works well in baked goods for the best results.
Conclusion: Sweet, Gooey, and Perfectly Pecans!
These Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious, bite-sized version of the classic pecan pie, with a buttery shortbread crust that complements the rich, nutty filling. They’re easy to make, easy to share, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or making them for a special treat at home, they’re sure to be a hit.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and treat yourself (and your guests) to these indulgent, pecan-packed bars. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
Enjoy, and happy baking