Pecan Pie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are everything you love about pecan pie but so much easier to make and serve. No rolling out pie dough or worrying about slicing a perfect piece—just bake, cut, and enjoy. They’re also easy to transport and ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether you serve them warm or chilled, Pecan Pie Bars are always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (cold)
• Eggs
• Light corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pecans

Directions

1. Preheat the oven and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake the crust until lightly golden, then remove from the oven.
5. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
6. Stir in the chopped pecans.
7. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
9. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 16 to 24 bars depending on how you cut them. Total time is around 1 hour: 20 minutes for preparation and 35–40 minutes for baking, plus cooling time.

Variations

• Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add chocolate chips to the filling for extra richness.
• Maple Pecan Bars: Replace corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper, earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
• Bourbon Pecan Bars: Add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a grown-up twist.
• Mini Pecan Bites: Bake in a mini muffin tin for individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. To reheat, warm slightly in the microwave or let them come to room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make Pecan Pie Bars ahead of time?

Yes, they store well and actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Do I need to refrigerate Pecan Pie Bars?

Not immediately, but for longer storage, it’s best to keep them refrigerated.

Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars?

Yes, they freeze well. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Yes, but it will give the bars a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.

What’s the best way to cut Pecan Pie Bars cleanly?

Let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife. For extra clean cuts, chill them first and wipe the knife between cuts.

Can I use pecan halves instead of chopped pecans?

You can, but chopped pecans distribute more evenly across each bite.

What type of pan is best for baking these?

A 9×13-inch baking pan is standard for even baking and a good bar thickness.

Can I add coconut or other nuts?

Yes, but keep in mind it will change the classic pecan pie flavor.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The center should be set and no longer jiggle. The top will be golden brown and slightly puffed.

Are these bars very sweet?

They are rich and sweet like traditional pecan pie. You can reduce the sugar slightly if desired, but it may affect texture.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bars bring all the deliciousness of classic pecan pie into a simple, shareable form. With their buttery crust and gooey, nutty filling, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holidays or casual snacking, they’re easy to make, transport, and store—making them a go-to dessert all year round.

Pecan Pie Bars

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Pecan Pie Bars are a portable, easy-to-make version of classic pecan pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey, nutty filling. They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want a sweet, crowd-pleasing dessert.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes (plus cooling time)
• Yield: 16–24 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. Bake crust for 15–20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
6. Stir in chopped pecans.
7. Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
8. Return to oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
9. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Notes

• Let bars cool completely for cleaner cuts; refrigerate before slicing if needed.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
• Use maple syrup for a deeper flavor or add chocolate chips for variation.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (1 of 20)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg