How to Make Rich and Nutty Pecan Pie Bars at Home

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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.

A perfectly cut rectangle bar of a pecan pie

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.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
🍴 Equipment
Storage
Top tip
FAQ
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How to Make Rich and Nutty Pecan Pie Bars at Home
Food safety

Ingredients

Flour
Sugar
Butter
Salt
Brown Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla Extract
Corn Syrup
Pecans

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Crust mixture pressed into a parchment-lined mold.

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.

Ingredients for filling being mixed together in a bowl.

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.

Roasted pecans being added to the filling mixture.

Prepare the Filling - Part 2

When the crust comes out of the oven, add roasted pecans to the filling.

The filling being poured over the baked crust.

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.

The pecan pie bars cut in two cooling on a countertop.

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.