Irresistible Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe to Savor

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

Imagine sinking your fork into a warm, gooey pecan pie bar that melts in your mouth. The sweet aroma dances through the kitchen as you prepare to indulge in this delightful treat. With each bite, you experience a harmonious blend of rich pecans, buttery crust, and a hint of vanilla that makes your taste buds sing.

These Simple Pecan Pie Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic journey back to family gatherings filled with laughter, love, and, of course, delicious food. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy weekend at home, these bars bring warmth and joy to every occasion. Get ready for an incredible flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These Simple Pecan Pie Bars are incredibly easy to whip up in under an hour.
  • The rich flavor profile combines sweetness with nutty crunch, making each bite unforgettable.
  • Visually appealing with their golden-brown crust and glossy topping, they are sure to impress guests.
  • Perfect for any gathering or just a delightful afternoon snack at home.

I remember the first time I made these bars; my friends devoured them within minutes and demanded I make them again—talk about pressure!

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for that rich flavor; it’s the heart of the crust.

  • Brown Sugar: Light or dark works; the molasses adds depth and moisture to the filling.

  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the flavors perfectly and contributes to that irresistible sweetness.

  • Pecans: Choose fresh, whole pecans for maximum crunch; chop them roughly for texture.

  • Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together while adding richness.

  • Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall sweetness and warmth of the bars.

  • All-Purpose Flour: The base for our crust; ensure it’s measured correctly for best results.

  • Salt: Just a pinch enhances all other flavors beautifully.

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

Recipe preparation for Simple Pecan Pie Bars

How to Make Simple Pecan Pie Bars

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. This is where all the magic happens!

Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt until well blended. Add flour gradually until it forms a soft dough that holds together nicely.

Press into Pan: Spread the dough evenly into the greased baking pan using your fingers. Ensure it reaches all corners and creates an even layer for baking.

Create Filling: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract, and remaining sugars until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans until they’re coated in luscious goodness.

Add Filling: Pour the pecan mixture over the crust evenly. Use a spatula if needed to spread it out gently; we want every bite packed with flavor!

Bake It Up: Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges turn golden brown and filling looks set but slightly wobbly in the center.

Let cool completely before cutting into squares—if you can resist! Trust me; these bars are worth waiting for as they become even more delicious once cooled.

Enjoy these Simple Pecan Pie Bars as they are or serve with whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence!

You Must Know

  • Simple Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion.
  • With their delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
  • Plus, they’re easy to make, which means you can focus more on enjoying time with friends and family.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the crust ingredients first, press them into the pan, then prepare the filling while the crust bakes.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth. Chocolate chips can also take these bars to a whole new level.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Simple Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the right crust texture.
  • Avoid overmixing your filling to keep it smooth and creamy.
  • Let the bars cool completely before cutting, ensuring clean edges and neat slices.

I once brought these Simple Pecan Pie Bars to a potluck, and they disappeared faster than my dignity at karaoke night. Friends still ask when I’ll make them again!

FAQ

What makes Simple Pecan Pie Bars different from traditional pecan pie?

Simple Pecan Pie Bars have a thicker crust and are easier to cut into servings.

Can I use other nuts in these bars?

Yes! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes in Simple Pecan Pie Bars.

How do I know when my bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown, and the center will slightly jiggle when you shake the pan.

Print

Simple Pecan Pie Bars

Simple Pecan Pie Bars are a heavenly dessert that combines the rich flavors of pecans with a buttery crust and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are not only easy to make but also a delightful treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Indulge in every sweet, nutty bite, and enjoy a slice of nostalgia with this simple yet impressive recipe.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt until combined. Gradually add flour to form a soft dough.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract, and remaining sugars. Stir in chopped pecans until well coated.
  5. Pour the pecan mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and filling is slightly set.
  7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for variation. Add chocolate chips or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal crust texture.

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