Golden Baked Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: A Delicious Slice of Comfort
If you love pecan pie but want something easy to make and share, pecan pie bars are the answer! These golden baked treats contain all the delicious flavors of traditional pecan pie—sweet, nutty, and buttery—but are baked in a simple, sliceable bar form. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy baking day at home, pecan pie bars are surprisingly simple to prepare. In this blog, we’ll walk you through an easy recipe with step-by-step instructions so you can enjoy them anytime.
What Are Pecan Pie Bars?
Pecan pie bars are like mini versions of pecan pie baked in a rectangular pan. They start with a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a rich layer of pecan pie filling made with eggs, sugar, butter, and plenty of crunchy pecans. Once baked and cooled, the dessert is cut into squares or bars for easy serving.
These bars are great because they capture the comforting taste of pecan pie without the challenge of making a traditional pie crust. Plus, they’re versatile—serve them plain, with whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious pecan pie bars, here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup (or substitute with maple syrup for a twist)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Recipe for Golden Baked Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
The crust is what holds your pecan pie bars together, and it’s super easy to make!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Mix everything together until the texture is crumbly but sticks together when pressed. You can use a fork, a pastry cutter, or even your hands for this step.
- Press the crust mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Make sure to press firmly so it creates a solid base.
- Bake the crust in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden around the edges.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling
While the crust is baking, you can make the rich filling that gives pecan pie bars their irresistible flavor.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth.
- Add the corn syrup (or maple syrup), brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bars
Once the crust is out of the oven, pour the filling mixture over it while it’s still warm. Spread the filling evenly to ensure every bite has a delicious layer of pecans and gooey goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking pan back in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling has set and is golden brown on top. The bars should jiggle slightly in the center but not be watery.
Step 6: Cool Completely
This step requires patience, but it’s worth it! Let the pecan pie bars cool completely in the baking pan before cutting. Cooling ensures the filling sets properly and makes cutting the bars easier.
For quicker cooling, you can place the pan in the fridge for about 30 minutes once it reaches room temperature.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Once cooled, carefully lift the bars out (if using parchment paper) or cut them directly in the pan into squares or rectangles. Serve as-is or top with whipped cream for extra flair.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans will give the best flavor and crunch. You can chop them yourself or buy pre-chopped pecans from the store.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake—overbaking can cause the filling to dry out. Take them out as soon as the center is set and firm.
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and removal. This also helps prevent sticking.
- Store Properly: Leftover pecan pie bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months!
Why These Bars Are Worth Making
Golden baked pecan pie bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive holiday feasts. They’re easier to share than a pie and give you that same comforting flavor in a convenient, hand-held package. Plus, the combination of buttery crust and sweet pecan filling is satisfying in every bite. Give this recipe a try and watch these bars disappear in no time!
Happy baking! 🌟
