Pecan Pie Bars: A Classic Treat in Easy-to-Share Squares

Love pecan pie but need a simpler way to enjoy it? Enter Pecan Pie Bars—all the gooey, nutty goodness of the classic Southern dessert, but in a convenient handheld form. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich caramel filling and toasted pecans, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or holiday dessert tables.

Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving or a casual family gathering, these Pecan Pie Bars are guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Elegance: All the flavors of pecan pie, but no need to roll out pie dough.
• Perfect for Sharing: Easy to cut into squares, making them great for gatherings.
• Classic Flavor: A rich combination of brown sugar, butter, and pecans creates an indulgent treat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store beautifully, so you can prepare them in advance.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

For the Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in the Butter
   Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Form the Crust
   Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a firm, even crust.
5. Bake the Crust
   Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it begins to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Pecan Filling

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
2. Add the Pecans
   Gently stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Assemble and Bake the Bars

1. Pour the Filling
   Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake
   Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
3. Cool Completely
   Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. This step is crucial for clean slices!
4. Cut and Serve
   Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Tips for Success

• Cold Butter for the Crust: Using cold butter ensures a flaky, shortbread-like crust.
• Don’t Overbake: The filling should be set but still slightly soft—it will firm up as it cools.
• Toast the Pecans: For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the filling.

Storage and Serving

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Why This Recipe Works

These Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution for when you’re craving pecan pie but want a dessert that’s easier to make and serve. The buttery crust provides a sturdy base for the gooey filling, while the toasted pecans add texture and richness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a winner every time.

Pecan Pie Bars

Sweet, gooey, and nutty pecan pie bars with a buttery shortbread crust, perfect for sharing at any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 48 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 bars

Ingredients

  

• For the Crust:
• - 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• - ¼ cup granulated sugar
• - ½ tsp salt
• - ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cut into small pieces
• For the Filling:
• - 1 cup light corn syrup
• - 1 cup packed brown sugar
• - ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• - 4 large eggs
• - 2 tsp vanilla extract
• - 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Press the crust mixture evenly into the baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
• Whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in chopped pecans.
• Pour filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes until the filling is set. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

- Toast pecans for extra flavor.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.