Pecan Pie Bars: A Deliciously Easy Treat

Dive into the irresistible world of pecan pie, but with a delightful twist! Forget fiddly pie crusts and lengthy baking times. These Pecan Pie Bars offer all the rich, nutty goodness of classic pecan pie in a convenient, easy-to-make bar format. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these bars are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Imagine the flaky, buttery crust yielding to a gooey, pecan-studded caramel-like filling – a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. This recipe simplifies the pecan pie experience without compromising on taste, making it accessible to even novice bakers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy-to-make Pecan Pie Bars!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

There’s a lot to adore about these Pecan Pie Bars, and it goes beyond their simple elegance. First and foremost, the convenience factor is a game-changer. Unlike a traditional pecan pie, which requires a meticulously crafted crust and careful baking, these bars are a breeze to assemble. The simple press-in crust eliminates the need for complex pie-making skills, making it perfect for busy weeknights or less experienced bakers. Yet, despite their simplicity, the taste is anything but basic. The rich, buttery crust provides the perfect foundation for the intensely flavorful pecan filling, a delicious blend of brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and melted butter, all punctuated by the irresistible crunch of pecan halves. The bars are easy to transport, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or gifting to friends and family. They also hold up beautifully, making them perfect for making ahead of time. This recipe is adaptable too, allowing you to experiment with different types of nuts or add a dash of spice to customize your pecan pie bars to perfection! Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, these bars are incredibly delicious. The perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, combined with the satisfying contrast of textures, makes them irresistible.

Why You Should Try This Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this Pecan Pie Bars recipe offers several compelling reasons to give it a try. Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar. Want a richer pecan flavor? Add a few extra pecans! Feel like experimenting? Consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist. The recipe is also highly adaptable to dietary restrictions. While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you could easily substitute it with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Similarly, adaptations for vegan Pecan Pie Bars are readily available online by swapping the butter for vegan butter and the eggs for suitable substitutes like applesauce or flax eggs. Secondly, the recipe is cost-effective. The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option for satisfying your sweet tooth. Finally, making these pecan pie bars is a fun and rewarding experience. The process is straightforward, and the outcome is incredibly satisfying. The aroma filling your kitchen during baking is an added bonus, promising the delicious treat awaiting you. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a delightful batch of Pecan Pie Bars.

Ingredients and Utensils for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

Gathering the right ingredients and utensils is crucial for baking success. Here’s a detailed list to ensure you have everything you need to create amazing Pecan Pie Bars.

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free bars)
• ½ teaspoon salt (enhances the flavor of the crust)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes (chilled butter is essential for a flaky crust)
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (adds sweetness and richness to the crust)
• ¼ cup ice water (cold water helps prevent the butter from melting)
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar (contributes to the caramel-like flavor)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (balances the sweetness)
• ½ cup light corn syrup (provides moisture and chewiness)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (adds richness and helps bind the ingredients)
• 2 large eggs (binds the filling and adds richness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the overall flavor)
• 1 ½ cups pecan halves (the star ingredient!)

Recommended Utensils:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper (makes removing the bars easier)
• Large bowl (for mixing the crust and filling)
• Pastry blender or your fingers (for cutting in the butter)
• Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate measurements)
• Whisk (for combining the filling ingredients)
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon (for stirring)
• Baking sheet (to place the pan on during baking)
• Wire rack (for cooling the bars)
• Knife (for cutting the bars)

Having these utensils on hand ensures a smooth and efficient baking process. Using a pastry blender or your fingers to cut in the butter is key to creating a flaky crust. Remember to chill the butter before incorporating it into the dough for optimum results. Don’t forget your parchment paper – it’s a lifesaver when it comes to removing the bars from the pan.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pecan Pie Bars

Follow these detailed instructions to bake perfect Pecan Pie Bars every time.

Make the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking.
2. Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes removing the bars a breeze after baking. **Don’t skip this step!**
3. Whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of salt.
4. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. **Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.**
5. Stir in the brown sugar. This adds sweetness and helps bind the crust.
6. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. **Do not overmix,** as this can result in a tough crust.
7. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even layer.

Make the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar.
2. Stir in the pecan halves. Gently fold them into the mixture to distribute them evenly.

Bake the Pecan Pie Bars:

1. Pour the pecan filling evenly over the crust. Spread it out to the edges of the pan.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is lightly golden brown. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. The center should be set, but slightly jiggly.
3. Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. This prevents the bars from breaking and ensures they set properly.
4. Cut into bars and serve. You can cut them into squares, rectangles, or even diamonds!

**Pro Tip:** For an extra-flaky crust, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust. Also, don’t overbake the bars! Overbaking can result in a dry crust and a hard filling. If you’re unsure if they’re done, start checking at 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs attached.

Tips and Variations for Your Pecan Pie Bars

Experiment with these tips and variations to personalize your Pecan Pie Bars:

• Nut Variations: Substitute some or all of the pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts. A mix of nuts can add interesting texture and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cardamom to the filling for a warm, spiced pecan pie bar.
• Chocolate Swirl: Add a swirl of melted chocolate to the filling for an extra decadent treat. Try using dark, milk, or white chocolate.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or applesauce. Many vegan butter substitutes are available in stores.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: Don’t overmix the crust dough, as this can result in a tough crust. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed over the crust. Don’t overbake – check for doneness around 30 minutes to avoid a dry crust and hard filling. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

While Pecan Pie Bars are undeniably indulgent, they can still be part of a balanced diet. The nutritional information below is an approximation and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Approximate Nutritional Information (per bar, assuming a 9×13 inch pan cut into 16 bars):

• Calories: Approximately 300-350
• Protein: Approximately 3-4 grams
• Fat: Approximately 18-20 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40 grams

Health Benefits of Ingredients:

• Pecans: Excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. They are rich in Vitamin E and minerals like manganese and zinc. These nutrients contribute to heart health and overall well-being.
• Brown Sugar: Contains some minerals like potassium and iron, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
• Eggs: Good source of protein and essential nutrients.

It’s important to note that Pecan Pie Bars are a dessert, and moderation is key. Enjoy them as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.

FAQs

These Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their ease of preparation, delicious flavor, and adaptability make them a must-try recipe. Don’t forget to share your baking experience in the comments below! And if you’re looking for other delicious dessert recipes, check out our Christmas Fudge or Pumpkin Magic Bars recipes. Happy baking!

For more delicious recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest! Click here to explore my collection of sweet and savory dishes.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars

These delicious pecan pie bars are a simple twist on a classic dessert, perfect for any occasion. The buttery crust and rich pecan filling are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cup (1 stick) Unsalted butter, chilled cut into cubes
• 0.25 cup Packed light brown sugar
• 0.25 cup Ice water

Filling Ingredients

• 1 cup Packed light brown sugar
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup Light corn syrup
• 0.25 cup Unsalted butter, melted
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups Pecan halves

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Pastry blender or fork
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
2. For the crust: Whisk together flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the brown sugar. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. For the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Stir in the pecan halves.
6. Pour the pecan filling evenly over the crust.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is lightly golden brown.
8. Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

For a richer crust, use a combination of brown and white sugar. You can also use a pre-made pie crust if you're short on time. Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.