An absolute delight for pecan lovers, Pecan Pie Bars bring the rich, delectable flavor of a classic pecan pie into a compact, easy-to-enjoy form. These sweet, nutty, and slightly salty bars are perfect for dessert, a midday snack, or a unique breakfast treat. Let's explore the magic behind this mouth-watering recipe.

Pecan pie bars carry forward the legacy of the Southern classic, the Pecan Pie. Known for their sweet and nutty charm, these bars often make their grand appearance during the holiday season, particularly at Thanksgiving feasts. The pecan pie bars are, however, delightful enough to enjoy all year round.
If the allure of sweet and nutty pecan pie bars has captured your taste buds, you'll want to explore our equally delightful Coconut Cream Pie recipe, a tropical twist on a classic dessert that's sure to please any palate.
Prefer To Watch Instead Of Read?
Jump to:
Ingredients

- Flour
- Sugar
- Butter
- Salt
- Brown Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Corn Syrup
- Pecans
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions

Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch Square Baking Pan and line with parchment paper. In a bowl, add cold butter chunks, then combine with flour, sugar, and salt. Rub the mixture until it resembles crumbs, and press evenly into the prepared mold. Bake for 12 minutes.

Roast the Pecans (Optional)
Chop some pecans and roast them at 325°F for 7-10 minutes.

Prepare the Filling - Part 1
In a separate bowl, mix together flour and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and corn syrup. Mix well and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.

Prepare the Filling - Part 2
When the crust comes out of the oven, add roasted pecans to the filling.

Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling over the hot crust immediately. Return to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. The center will still jiggle when done.

Cool and Refrigerate
Let the pecan pie bars cool down for 1 hour, then refrigerate overnight.
Hint: Roasting the pecans before adding them to the filling helps to intensify their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the pie bars. Make sure to monitor them closely during roasting to avoid burning, as roasted nuts can burn quickly.
Substitutions
For a healthier twist or to meet dietary requirements:
- Substitute white flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Replace butter with a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Variations
Pecan pie bars are great for customization:
- Add a layer of chocolate chips for a chocolate pecan pie bar.
- Incorporate a dash of bourbon into the filling for an adult twist.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a salted punch.
🍴 Equipment
Crust:
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing butter, flour, sugar, and salt. Keeps all dry ingredients together.
- 9-inch Square Baking Pan: To shape the crust. The crust needs a mold for baking.
- Parchment Paper: To line the mold. Makes it easy to take out the crust later.
Filling:
- Knife: for chopping pecans. Helps get pecans to the right size.
- Baking Sheet: for roasting pecans. Brings out nutty flavor in pecans.
Most Useful Equipment:
- 9-inch Square Baking Pan: Without this, you won’t be able to shape the dessert.
Storage
Pecan pie bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for a week. Ensure they are covered in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Top tip
Roasting the pecans before incorporating them into the filling enhances their flavor and texture. Don't skip this step if you want a full-flavored bar.
FAQ
Yes, they freeze well for up to three months.
It could be underbaked. Also, ensure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them. Refrigerating overnight will also help.
Yes, but whole pecans roasted and chopped give the best flavor.
The center should still jiggle a bit when they're done.
Yes, walnuts or almonds can also work.
Yes, just use a larger pan and adjust baking time.
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut.
Yes, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
The crust may be underbaked. Ensure to prebake it until golden.
Yes, cinnamon or nutmeg can be added for extra warmth.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

How to Make Rich and Nutty Pecan Pie Bars at Home
An absolute delight for pecan lovers, Pecan Pie Bars bring the rich, delectable flavor of a classic pecan pie into a compact, easy-to-enjoy form. These sweet, nutty, and slightly salty bars are perfect for dessert, a midday snack, or a unique breakfast treat. Let's explore the magic behind this mouth-watering recipe.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Ingredients
Crust:
1 ⅓ cups (160g) Flour
⅓ cup (65g) Sugar
½ cup (115g) Butter (cold)
½ tsp (3g) Salt
Filling:
⅓ cup (70g) Brown Sugar
¼ cup (30g) Flour
3 (150g) Eggs
2 tsp (10ml) Vanilla Extract
¾ tsp (4.5g) Salt
1 cup (310g) Corn Syrup
1 ½ cups (170g) Pecans (preferably roasted)
Instructions
Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease a 9-inch square mold and line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, add butter in chunks, then combine with flour, sugar, and salt.
- Use your hands to rub the mixture until it resembles crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared mold.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour and brown sugar.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and corn syrup. Mix well.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
- (Optional but highly recommended) Chop some pecans and roast them at 325°F for 7-10 minutes; this will make all the difference.
- When the crust comes out of the oven, add pecans to the filling.
- Pour the filling over the hot crust immediately.
- Return to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. The center will still jiggle a little when done.
- Let it cool down for 1 hour, then refrigerate overnight.
Cutting and Serving:
- The next day, unmold the dessert.
- Cut into 12 bars.
- Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: Pecan Bars Recipe, Easy Dessert Bars, Pecan and Corn Syrup Filling, How to Make Pecan Bars, Oven-Baked Dessert, Homemade Crust, 9-inch Square Mold, Overnight Dessert, Sweet and Nutty Bars, Simple Pecan Bars Recipe
Food safety
- Ensure your eggs are fresh and not past their use-by date.
- Don't eat raw batter as it contains raw eggs.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Embark on this culinary adventure and recreate the joy of a classic Southern pecan pie in your kitchen with these Pecan Pie Bars. Happy baking!
Vadimir.j
Flawlessly delectable. A new favorite of mine.
★★★★★