The Best Buttery Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Ever Made

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when these delectable pecan pie bars enter the scene.

These bars capture the essence of classic Southern hospitality in every sweet, nutty bite.

A traditional dessert reimagined into an easy-to-serve handheld treat, the best pecan pie bars recipe promises pure indulgence.

Layers of buttery crust and rich caramel-like filling create a dessert that melts in your mouth.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that elevates this classic recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each bar delivers a perfect balance of sweet, sticky filling and crisp, golden crust.

You’ll want to save this recipe for every holiday gathering and potluck.

Prepare to be the star baker who brings smiles to every dessert table.

Best Pecan Pie Bars for Every Occasion

• Quick Prep Delight: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing make this cream cheese fruit dip a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a fast and delicious appetizer.
• Versatile Serving Champion: Adaptable to various fruits, parties, and gatherings, this dip transforms ordinary snacking into a crowd-pleasing experience that suits everything from casual family nights to elegant brunches.
• Customize Your Sweetness: Control the flavor profile by easily adjusting the powdered sugar, allowing you to create a personalized dip that matches your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator, reducing last-minute kitchen stress and giving you more time to enjoy your social event or family gathering.

Ingredients for Best Pecan Pie Bars

• Refrigerated Pie Crusts: A ready-to-use base that provides a flaky and tender foundation for the pecan bars.

• Corn Syrup: Creates a rich and glossy texture that helps bind the filling together.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a gooey consistency.
• Eggs: Act as a natural thickener and help set the filling.
• Melted Butter: Provides richness and enhances the overall flavor of the bars.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm and complex depth to the sweet filling.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the dessert.

• Pecan Halves: The star ingredient that gives the bars a nutty crunch and signature flavor.

How to Bake Best Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crust Foundation

Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and gently press them into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure the crust covers the entire surface evenly, creating a smooth base for the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Decadent Filling

• Corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Add Nutty Goodness

Fold the pecan halves into the filling, ensuring each nut gets a perfect coating of the sweet mixture.

Step 5: Layer and Spread

Carefully pour the pecan filling over the prepared crust. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the entire pan, creating a consistent layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a set filling that jiggles just slightly when gently shaken.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cut into generous bars and serve.

These bars taste amazing at room temperature or slightly warm.

Tips for Best Pecan Pie Bars

• Choose plump, glossy pecans without any dark spots or rancid smell for the richest flavor and best texture in your bars.
• Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding filling to create a crisp, flaky base that won't get mushy.
• Reduce corn syrup by 2 tablespoons and add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup for a more complex, less sugary taste profile.
• Insert a knife near the center of the bars – if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, your pecan bars are perfectly baked.
• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain their delicious texture.

Variations on Best Pecan Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars: Replace traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust for a celiac-friendly version.
• Maple Walnut Variation: Swap pecans with walnuts and use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Vegan Friendly Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose plant-based corn syrup alternative for a dairy-free and egg-free dessert.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Replace corn syrup with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce brown sugar quantity, and add extra spices like cinnamon to enhance natural sweetness.

Pairing Ideas for Best Pecan Pie Bars

• Pair Smooth Bourbon: Sip a rich, smooth bourbon like Woodford Reserve to complement the sweet, nutty flavors of the pecan pie bars. The caramel notes in bourbon enhance the dessert's buttery richness.
• Serve Vanilla Ice Cream: Top warm pecan pie bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, crunchy pecan filling, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Match Robust Coffee: Brew a strong, dark roast coffee like French press or espresso to balance the pie's sweetness. The coffee's bitter undertones cut through the rich, sugary filling, providing a perfect palate cleanser.

Storage Tips for Best Pecan Pie Bars

• Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together and maintain freshness.
• Carefully place bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm bars at 325F for 8-10 minutes on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add a few more seconds if needed, being careful not to overheat and dry out the bars.

FAQs

• Are pecan pie bars difficult to make?

Not at all! These bars are super easy and require simple ingredients. Even beginner bakers can successfully make them with basic baking skills.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or chopped almonds. Just ensure the nuts are fresh and evenly distributed in the filling.

• How do I know when the pecan pie bars are fully baked?

The bars are done when the filling looks set and the top is golden brown. A slight jiggle in the center is okay, but it shouldn’t be liquid. The edges will also look slightly firmer.

Best Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible pecan pie bars combine Southern comfort with sweet, nutty indulgence. Buttery shortbread crust and rich caramel-like filling create a perfect dessert you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 3 large eggs

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 package (16 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with a light grease coating.
2. Gently unroll the refrigerated pie crusts, carefully laying them across the pan’s bottom, ensuring complete coverage with gentle pressing.
3. Create a luxurious filling by whisking corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
4. Fold pecan halves into the mixture, ensuring each nut receives an even glaze of the sweet coating.
5. Distribute the pecan mixture across the pie crust, using a spatula to create an uniform layer that reaches all pan corners.
6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and a set filling consistency.
7. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling solidify and makes cutting easier.
8. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into rectangular bars, revealing the rich, nutty layers within.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth, even mixing of the filling without lumps.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the filling to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and add extra depth.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust.
• Chill bars completely before cutting for clean, precise edges and easier serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 153 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg