Description
Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling for a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. These bars offer the classic flavors of pecan pie in a convenient bar form that can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly with pea-sized pieces.
- Press and Bake the Crust: Evenly press the crumbly crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and set.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Pecans to Filling: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture until evenly distributed.
- Assemble Bars: Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan filling over the hot crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan.
- Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before cutting into squares.
- Serve: Serve the pecan pie bars chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is cold when cutting it into the flour to achieve a crumbly texture for the crust.
- For cleaner slices, chilling the bars before cutting is recommended.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan bars, easy pecan dessert, holiday dessert bars, buttery crust pecan bars