Pecan Pie Bars

Okay, these Pecan Pie Bars are my little secret for when I want that cozy pecan pie taste without the extra work. They’re buttery, sticky, and full of that sweet crunch I can never resist. One bite, and it feels like fall on a plate.

I love how simple they are to bake. No pie crust stress—just mix, bake, and slice. The brown sugar caramel smell fills the kitchen and makes everyone wander in.

If you’re craving something rich and comforting, this is the one. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or those days when you just need a sweet treat that feels homemade and warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: As one reader exclaimed, “These pecan pie bars are like the best parts of pecan pie, just easier to make!”
• Rich and Flavorful: The buttery crust combined with the gooey, caramelized pecan filling is just out of this world.
• Quick and Easy: Skip the fuss of making individual pies, and get these bars ready in a fraction of the time!
• Perfect for Sharing: These bars are the ideal dessert for large gatherings, as they are easy to cut into neat squares.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars stay fresh for several days, making them a perfect option to bake ahead of time.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s a quick list of the tools you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for this recipe. It allows you to make enough bars for a crowd.
• Mixing bowls: For both the crust and the filling.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: To ensure that your filling comes together smooth and creamy.
• Spatula: For spreading the crust and filling evenly.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Cooling rack: To allow your pecan pie bars to cool properly before cutting into them.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these decadent pecan pie bars (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour: The base for the crust, providing structure.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the crust.
• Butter (softened): Gives the crust a rich, buttery flavor and helps hold it together.

For the Filling:

• Light corn syrup: The key ingredient that creates the gooey, sticky texture in the filling.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and complements the corn syrup.
• Large eggs: Helps bind the filling together and gives it that custard-like texture.
• Butter (melted): Adds a smooth richness to the filling.
• Vanilla extract: A subtle flavor enhancer that makes the filling even more irresistible.
• Chopped pecans: The star of the show! These add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly once the filling is ready.
• Make the crust: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add 1 cup of softened butter and mix with a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands until the dough forms coarse crumbs.
• Press into the pan: Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon to evenly distribute and compact the crust. Make sure it’s firmly pressed into the bottom of the pan to create a solid base.
• Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t over-brown. Once it’s ready, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Pecan Pie Filling

• Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of light corn syrup, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
• Add the pecans: Stir in 2 ½ cups of chopped pecans. You can chop the pecans roughly or finely, depending on your texture preference. The chopped pecans will give the filling that signature crunch, so don’t skip this step!

3. Bake the Bars

• Pour the filling over the crust: Carefully pour the prepared pecan pie filling over the slightly cooled crust, ensuring it’s evenly spread.
• Bake the bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake the bars for an additional 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on the filling, which will begin to set around the edges while remaining a little jiggly in the center. The bars are done when the center is no longer liquid but slightly firm.
• Cool before cutting: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours. The filling will firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut into neat squares. You can also refrigerate them for faster cooling if you’re in a hurry.

Variations for Pecan Pie Bars

While this recipe is already delicious, you can experiment with different flavors and textures to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Add Chocolate

For a chocolate twist, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars or stir in some chocolate chips into the filling. The combination of chocolate and pecans is a classic and will add an extra layer of richness.

2. Add Coconut

If you love coconut, try adding some shredded coconut to the filling. It will add a subtle tropical flavor and additional texture that complements the pecans.

3. Make It Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version of these pecan pie bars, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose one that works well for baking, like a one-to-one flour replacement blend.

4. Add Bourbon

For a bit of adult flair, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of bourbon into the filling. The depth of flavor from the bourbon pairs beautifully with the pecans and adds a little something special to the bars.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your occasion:

1. As a Dessert

Serve these bars as the perfect sweet ending to any meal. They are rich, indulgent, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

2. With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream

Top each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an added indulgence.

3. For Breakfast

Yes, these bars are sweet enough for dessert, but they also make a delicious morning treat with a cup of coffee or tea. The pecans provide a little protein, making them a satisfying option to start your day.

Storing Pecan Pie Bars

• Room Temperature: Pecan pie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This makes them an excellent option for prepping ahead of time.
• Refrigerator: If you prefer them a bit firmer, you can refrigerate the bars. They will last up to 1 week in the fridge.
• Freezing: Pecan pie bars freeze wonderfully! After they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 1-2 hours or overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving of Pecan Pie Bars (based on a 9×13-inch pan cut into 24 bars):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	330
Total Fat	17g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	75mg
Total Carbohydrates	43g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	31g
Protein	4g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Conclusion

These Pecan Pie Bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday, a family gathering, or just a weeknight treat, these bars will impress everyone who tries them. With a buttery, flaky crust and a gooey, nutty filling, they bring all the flavors of pecan pie in a simple and easy-to-make form. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy, making them a hit with anyone who loves rich, nutty desserts.