Simple Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe That Melts Hearts

Sweet memories of southern comfort dance through my brown butter pecan pie bars, a delectable twist on classic dessert traditions.

Buttery layers melt across taste buds with rich, caramelized complexity.

Nutty pecans nestle into silky smooth filling, creating unexpected texture contrasts.

Warm spices whisper gentle hints of comfort and nostalgia.

Home bakers can easily craft these irresistible treats with simple ingredients and minimal technique.

Weekend gatherings deserve something special that sparks conversation and delights every palate.

Slice into these bars and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars That Impress

• Elevate Your Dessert Game: Transform a classic pie into convenient, shareable bars that impress guests with minimal effort.
• Nutty Flavor Explosion: Brown butter adds deep, rich complexity to traditional pecan pie, creating a sophisticated twist on a beloved classic.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: These bars are ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and casual get-togethers, offering a delicious treat everyone will love.
• Stress-Free Baking Experience: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Ingredients for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Butter: A rich, flavorful ingredient that provides a nutty depth when browned.
• Flour: The foundation for the shortbread crust that creates a crisp base.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization in both the crust and filling.

• Eggs: Bind the filling together and provide structure to the pecan mixture.
• Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth, glossy texture and helps prevent sugar crystallization.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Pecans: The star ingredient that adds crunch, nuttiness, and signature flavor to the bars.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the bars from the baking dish.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.

How to Bake Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Crank your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Golden Butter Magic

Melt butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully as it bubbles and turns a beautiful golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma.

Swirl the pan gently. Once it smells like toasted caramel and looks amber, remove from heat and let it cool down completely.

Step 3: Craft the Crumbly Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Softened butter

Mix these ingredients until they form a soft, sandy texture. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even layer.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn light golden.

Step 4: Whip Up the Pecan Filling

• Cooled brown butter
• Eggs
• Dark corn syrup
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until smooth.

Fold in chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust.

Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire batch out.

Slice into neat squares using a sharp knife. Enjoy your decadent brown butter pecan pie bars!

Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Enhance the nuttiness by toasting pecans before chopping for deeper, richer flavor profiles.
• Control browning butter carefully to achieve a golden-brown color without burning, which adds incredible caramel-like complexity.
• Line baking pan with overhanging parchment paper for easier removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Chill bars completely before slicing to ensure clean, precise edges and prevent crumbling.
• Experiment with adding a pinch of sea salt on top to balance sweetness and create gourmet-level dessert experience.

Variations for Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Pecan Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Maple Walnut Variation: Swap pecans for walnuts and use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Vegan Pecan Squares: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and choose plant-based sweeteners like agave nectar.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle sea salt for an indulgent flavor enhancement.

Serving Suggestions for Pecan Pie Bars

• Nutty Dessert Platter: Arrange bars alongside fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch that enhances the rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Holiday Gift Treat: Package bars in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon, perfect for gifting during thanksgiving or christmas gatherings.
• Elegant Brunch Companion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a decadent mid-morning dessert that elevates your brunch spread.
• Coffee Shop Style: Pair with a hot espresso or cappuccino, letting the nutty, buttery notes complement the robust coffee flavors.

Storing Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars

• Store leftover pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Refrigerate the bars for extended freshness, placing them in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze the bars for up to 3 months by wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag.
• Reheat refrigerated or frozen bars by thawing at room temperature for 30 minutes, or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp texture and bring out the nutty flavors.

FAQs

• What makes brown butter different from regular butter?

Brown butter has a nutty, caramelized flavor developed by heating butter until its milk solids turn golden brown, creating a rich, deeper taste compared to regular melted butter.

• Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds, though the flavor profile will slightly change. The texture and overall recipe technique remain the same.

• How do I know when the brown butter is ready?

The butter is ready when it turns a golden amber color and releases a nutty aroma. Small brown bits will settle at the bottom of the pan, indicating it’s perfectly browned.

• Is corn syrup necessary for the pecan filling?

Corn syrup helps create a smooth, glossy texture and prevents sugar crystallization. If you prefer, you can replace it with maple syrup or honey for a similar binding effect.

Irresistible Brown Butter Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Sweet brown butter pecan pie bars blend Southern comfort with nutty richness, elevating classic dessert traditions. Crisp shortbread crust and caramelized pecans offer you a delightful taste of homemade indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped (100 grams)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar (220 grams)

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup corn syrup (120 milliliters)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and carefully line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Create a rich brown butter by gently melting butter in a light-colored skillet, watching carefully until it turns golden and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the shortbread crust by combining flour, sugar, and softened butter until a crumbly texture forms. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring a compact and smooth base.
4. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until edges turn light golden, creating a sturdy foundation for the pecan topping.
5. Whisk together cooled brown butter, eggs, vanilla extract, dark brown sugar, and corn syrup until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Fold chopped pecans into the liquid mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.
7. Pour the pecan mixture carefully over the pre-baked crust, spreading it to cover the entire surface uniformly.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling sets and becomes slightly jiggly in the center.
9. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2 hours.
10. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert from the pan and slice into neat squares for serving.

Notes

• Enhance the nutty flavor by toasting pecans briefly in a dry skillet before chopping, which deepens their rich, caramel-like taste.
• Prevent soggy crust by ensuring the shortbread base is completely cooled and crisp before adding the pecan filling, creating a perfect textural contrast.
• Modify for gluten-free diets by substituting regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend, maintaining the same buttery, crumbly crust texture.
• Control sweetness by using dark corn syrup or reducing sugar slightly, allowing the brown butter’s complex flavor to shine through more prominently.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg