Pecan Pie Bars
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.
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
💡 Pro Tips Use cold butter for the crust to keep it crumbly and tender. Toast the pecans beforehand for extra depth of flavor. Don’t overbake — the filling should jiggle slightly when you pull it out of the oven. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
🔍 Nutrition (Per Bar – Approximate)
- Calories: ~280
- Carbohydrates: ~33g
- Fat: ~16g
- Sugar: ~21g
- Protein: ~3g
- Sodium: ~110mg