Pecan pie is a cherished Southern tradition, especially during the holidays. But when time is short and convenience matters, Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the nutty, gooey flavor of the original — in an easy-to-make, portable dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
🍬 Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Bars
These bars take everything you love about classic pecan pie and simplify it into a quick, fuss-free treat:
- All the Flavor, None of the Fuss: No rolling out pie crusts!
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for potlucks, bake sales, or gift trays.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh and travels well.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, bourbon, or maple for a twist.
🛒 Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars
For the Buttery Shortbread Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Gooey Pecan Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup (or maple syrup)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
👨🍳 How to Make Pecan Pie Bars
Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until it forms coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden.
Make the Pecan Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust.
Return to oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until set but slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.
Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let the bars cool completely before removing from the pan. For clean slices, chill for 1 hour before cutting.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Holiday Dessert Tray: Pair with brownies, fudge, or cookies.
- Party Treat: Cut into mini squares for bite-sized indulgence.
- With Coffee: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop for a pie-like finish.
- Gift Idea: Wrap in parchment and ribbon for a homemade edible gift.
📦 Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keep chilled for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Pecan Pie Bars
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 🔸 For the Buttery Shortbread Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 🔸 For the Gooey Pecan Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press firmly into the pan and bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden.
- 2️⃣ Make the Pecan Filling
- While crust bakes, whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- 3️⃣ Assemble and Bake
- Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust.
- Return to oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- It will finish setting as it cools.
- 4️⃣ Cool, Slice, and Serve
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing.
- Lift out using the parchment, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
🔍 Nutrition (Per Bar – Approximate)
- Calories: ~280
- Carbohydrates: ~33g
- Fat: ~16g
- Sugar: ~21g
- Protein: ~3g
- Sodium: ~110mg
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars
1. Use Cold Butter for the Crust
This ensures a tender, flaky shortbread base that holds its shape without becoming soggy.
2. Don’t Overmix the Crust
Blend until coarse crumbs form. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough texture.
3. Toast the Pecans
Lightly toasting chopped pecans (5–7 minutes at 350°F) enhances their rich, nutty flavor.
4. Let It Cool Completely
For clean, neat slices, cool the bars fully and chill for at least 1 hour before cutting.
5. Use Parchment with Overhang
Makes it easy to lift the bars from the pan — no sticking, no crumbling!
6. Test for Doneness
The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.
7. Slice with a Hot Knife
For clean cuts, run your knife under hot water and wipe clean between each slice.
8. Make Ahead for Events
These bars taste even better the next day, making them perfect for prepping ahead.
🔄 Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars
- Use Cold Butter: It’s key to that crisp, flaky crust.
- Let Cool Fully: Cutting too soon causes a runny filling.
- Try Maple Syrup: For deeper flavor, sub in pure maple.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful before baking.
- Toast the Pecans: Just a few minutes brings out amazing flavor.
🔍 Nutrition (Per Bar – Approximate)
- Calories: ~280
- Carbohydrates: ~33g
- Fat: ~16g
- Sugar: ~21g
- Protein: ~3g
- Sodium: ~110mg
❓ FAQs
Can I make pecan pie bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are perfect for make-ahead. Prepare them a day or two in advance and store in an airtight container.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Not necessarily. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, but refrigerating extends freshness up to 1 week.
Can I freeze pecan pie bars?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup?
Yes, maple syrup works well and adds a rich, natural sweetness.
Should I toast the pecans first?
Toasting is optional but highly recommended for extra depth of flavor.
How do I get clean cuts without the filling sticking to the knife?
Chill the bars first, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.
✅ Final Thoughts
Pecan Pie Bars are everything you love about pecan pie — buttery, rich, nutty, and sweet — without the work of making a traditional pie. Perfect for holiday spreads, gifting, or anytime you’re craving a cozy dessert. 🍂
Try this easy recipe once, and it may just replace your go-to pecan pie for good. 🙌🥧
