Description
Pecan Pie Bars offer a perfect blend of sweet, nutty flavor and rich, buttery texture. Featuring a crisp, flaky crust topped with a gooey, caramel-like pecan filling, these bars are easy to make and ideal for any occasion. They bring all the warmth and classic flavors of pecan pie into a convenient handheld dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the base crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. This pre-baking step ensures the crust stays firm and crisp once the filling is added.
- Make the Pecan Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans last, maintaining their texture.
- Add Filling and Bake: Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed with golden edges.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares. This resting time helps the filling firm up, making the bars easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh pecans and toast them lightly before chopping for enhanced crunch and flavor.
- Do not overmix the crust dough to avoid toughness; mix just until combined.
- Watch the bars closely while baking to prevent over-browning, especially at the edges.
- Let the bars cool fully to achieve the ideal firm yet gooey filling texture.
- Use a hot, sharp knife wiped between cuts to slice bars cleanly without crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg