Irresistible Pecan Pie Bars: A Sweet Delight Recipe

Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate treat that combines the rich, caramel-like sweetness of pecan pie with the ease of a bar. Picture this: you take a bite, and your taste buds are immediately greeted by the buttery crust, followed by a gooey filling that dances on your palate. The crunch of toasted pecans adds a delightful texture, making each mouthful a little celebration. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a Tuesday night craving, these bars will have you swooning.

I remember the first time I made Pecan Pie Bars for my family gathering. My cousin, who usually has a ‘no sweets’ rule, single-handedly polished off half the tray before dinner even started. It was a moment of pure joy and laughter as we all watched him crumble under the spell of those sweet bars. Trust me when I say you’ll want to keep this recipe close; it’s perfect for any occasion and will leave everyone begging for more.

One holiday season, I brought these bars to a potluck, and they were gone before I could say “who wants seconds?”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for the crust; it gives that rich flavor without any added salt.
• Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for balancing the nuttiness of the pecans.
• All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for the crust; it provides structure while keeping things tender.
• Pecans: Choose fresh pecans; their natural oils make all the difference in flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar enhances that caramel flavor in the filling.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and give that classic pecan pie texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the flavor; don’t skip this part!
• Salt: Just a pinch helps balance out all those sweet flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Create the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in flour until just mixed; do not overwork it! Press this mixture firmly into your prepared pan.

Bake the Crust: Place your pan in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. You want it lightly golden but not fully cooked—just enough to hold everything together.

Make Your Filling: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.

Add Pecans: Fold chopped pecans into your filling mixture gently to avoid breaking them too much. This ensures every bite has those lovely crunchy bits.

Bake Until Set: Pour your pecan filling over the baked crust and return it to the oven for another 25-30 minutes. Look for a slightly puffed center that jiggles just a bit—trust me; that’s perfect!

Let these delicious Pecan Pie Bars cool completely in their pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature; either way, they’re simply divine!

Content:

Use fresh pecans for a richer flavor; stale nuts can dull the taste. I learned this the hard way when my first batch tasted like cardboard.

Chill the crust before baking for a flaky texture; it helps prevent shrinkage. The first time I skipped this, my bars looked more like pancakes.

Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on them; a slight jiggle in the center means they’re perfect. Trust me, nobody wants crunchy pecan pie bars.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create delicious pecan pie bars, start by making the crust and chilling it. While it chills, prepare the filling to save time and ensure even baking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out some of the pecans for chocolate chips or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top. These tweaks can elevate your bars and impress your guests.

Storing & Reheating

Store your pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, warm them gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds.

The first time I made pecan pie bars, my friends devoured them so quickly, I barely got one! Their raving reviews gave me confidence to keep experimenting.

FAQ

What is the best type of pecans for pecan pie bars?

Fresh, raw pecans deliver superior flavor compared to stale or roasted ones.

Can I make pecan pie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars taste even better after a day in the fridge.

How do I know when my pecan pie bars are done?

Look for a slight jiggle in the center; it will firm up as they cool down.

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Pecan Pie Bars

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Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie, combining a buttery crust with a gooey, caramel-like filling. Each bar is studded with crunchy pecans, making them the perfect treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to everyday cravings. Simple to prepare and utterly delicious, these bars will impress your family and friends with their rich flavor and stunning appearance.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in flour until just combined. Press into the prepared pan.
3. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
4. In another bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gently fold in chopped pecans.
5. Pour the filling over the baked crust and return it to the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes or until slightly puffed with a gentle jiggle in the center.
6. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For a flaky texture, chill the crust before baking. Avoid overbaking; look for a slight jiggle in the center as a sign of doneness. Add chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt for variation.