Pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on the traditional pecan pie, combining the rich, nutty flavors of pecans with a buttery base that’s incredibly easy to make. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply as a sweet snack at home, these bars will surely impress any dessert lover. Their chewy texture, sweet filling, and crunchy pecans make each bite a treat, offering a taste of autumn year-round.
Why Make This Pecan Pie Bars
These pecan pie bars are a fantastic dessert option for several reasons. First, they provide all the comforting flavors of a classic pecan pie but in an easy-to-eat form. The bars are also incredibly simple to prepare, making them accessible even for beginner bakers. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at potlucks or holiday parties, as they cut easily into squares, ensuring everyone can enjoy a piece without the mess of slicing a pie.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars
Making pecan pie bars is a breeze. Start by creating a delicious buttery crust that sets the foundation for the sweet filling. Once the crust is baked, whisk together the gooey filling with chopped pecans, then pour it over your crust. A quick bake in the oven allows the flavors to meld perfectly, giving you a delicious dessert that nobody can resist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these pecan pie bars contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars
These pecan pie bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for a decadent treat. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For festive gatherings, consider drizzling some chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars for added indulgence.
How to Store Pecan Pie Bars
To keep your pecan pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For even greater longevity, freeze your bars wrapped tightly for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t skip the step of baking the crust; it prevents it from becoming soggy once the filling is added.
- If you want a deeper flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat before adding them to the filling.
- Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor in the filling.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely to set before slicing; this helps the filling maintain its structure.
Delicious Variations
- Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Substitute some of the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Mix in some chocolate chips into the filling for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and a sugar substitute to make these bars suitable for a vegan diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! You can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts to create variations on the classic bars.
Can I make ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a few days in advance. Just ensure you store them properly to maintain freshness.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for clean edges. If the bars are still slightly warm, they may be a bit gooey, so let them cool completely for easier cutting.
Conclusion
Pecan pie bars are a delightful dessert that blends buttery goodness with rich pecan flavors, making them a favorite for many occasions. Whether you serve them at a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just as a special treat at home, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Don’t hesitate to try making this recipe, and feel free to share your thoughts or variations in the comments. Happy baking!
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Pecan Pie Bars
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful pecan pie bars combining rich, nutty flavors with a buttery base, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature; optional toppings include vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pecan pie bars, dessert, easy recipes, holiday treats, sweet snacks
