Easy Pecan Pie Bars: Irresistible Southern Dessert
Pecan pie lovers, rejoice! These Easy Pecan Pie Bars bring all the rich, nutty flavors of a classic pecan pie into a simple, handheld treat. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious caramelized pecan filling, these bars are the perfect combination of crunchy and gooey. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or simply craving a comforting homemade dessert, you’ll love how effortless this recipe is to make without sacrificing any of the delicious traditional flavors.
For those who find traditional pecan pie a bit too rich, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness without being overly heavy. The buttery shortbread base adds a crisp contrast to the soft, sticky pecan topping, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, with no need to roll out pie crust, these bars are a beginner-friendly alternative to traditional pecan pie that will impress even seasoned bakers.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A rich, buttery combination of caramelized pecans, vanilla, and a hint of salt for balance.
- Texture: A crisp, crumbly shortbread base paired with a sticky, chewy pecan filling.
- Aroma: Buttery, nutty, and slightly caramelized notes fill your kitchen as these bars bake.
- Visual Appeal: Golden brown layers of shortbread and glistening pecan topping make these bars look as good as they taste.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple mixing and baking techniques.
- Special Equipment: A baking dish, parchment paper, a mixing bowl, and a whisk.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Easy Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate solution for fall and winter dessert cravings. The combination of crunchy pecans and a sweet, sticky caramel filling instantly transports you to cozy holiday gatherings. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed as a quick snack, the delicious flavor will keep you coming back for more.
Unlike a traditional pecan pie, which requires careful pie crust preparation, these bars use a simple shortbread base that comes together quickly. This time-saving step means less hassle and more enjoyment without compromising on taste.
Pecans are packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, making these bars a slightly more nutritious indulgence. While they may not be considered a health food, they offer a dose of beneficial monounsaturated fats, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Perfect for potlucks, parties, and gifting, these bars travel well and can be made in advance. Their sturdy texture makes them easy to slice, pack, and share without the mess of a traditional pie.
Since these bars use pantry-friendly ingredients, they are an accessible and affordable dessert option. Butter, sugar, eggs, pecans, and flour come together to create a rich treat without breaking the bank.
Essential Techniques
- Shortbread Crust Mastery: The key to a perfect base is pressing the dough evenly into the pan to ensure an even texture.
- Caramelized Pecan Filling: Stirring constantly while cooking helps prevent clumps and ensures a smooth, glossy texture.
- Cooling for Clean Slices: Letting the bars fully cool before slicing ensures cleaner edges and better presentation.
The Recipe
Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Serves: 16 bars
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and softened butter until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt until combined.
- Stir in chopped pecans and pour the mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Recipe Notes
- For a more caramelized flavor, use dark corn syrup instead of light.
- To enhance the nutty taste, toast the pecans in a dry pan for 5 minutes before adding them.
- For easy removal, grease the parchment paper lightly before pressing in the dough.