Pecan Pie Bars: A Taste of Home

Here we go, fellow flavor seekers! Let’s talk about Pecan Pie Bars. I remember first trying these at a neighborhood potluck, and I was instantly hooked. The combination of buttery crust and sweet, nutty filling was just irresistible.

I knew I had to recreate these Pecan Pie Bars at home for my family, and so began my journey to perfect this recipe.

It was quite the adventure, let me tell you! I experimented with different crusts, various types of pecans, and even a little bit of bourbon for an extra kick. After many batches and lots of happy taste-testers, I finally landed on what I think is the perfect recipe for Pecan Pie Bars. These bars are now a family favorite, requested at every holiday gathering and special occasion. There’s nothing quite like the smell of these baking in the oven, filling the house with warmth and nutty goodness.

These Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to connect with my family through a shared love of authentic flavors. It’s amazing how a simple treat can create such lasting memories. When my kids bite into one of these bars, I want them to taste not just the pecans and sweetness, but also the love and care that went into making them.

Now, I’m excited to share my recipe with you. I hope it brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying dessert that’s packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to create some magic in your kitchen! These Pecan Pie Bars truly capture the essence of home cooking: genuine, comforting, and delicious.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing Pecan Pie Bars. Trust me, this ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Adds structure
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The key to a flaky crust
¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors
4-6 tablespoons ice water: Binds the dough together

For the Filling:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and flavor
1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar: Provides a caramel-like sweetness
3 large eggs: Binds the filling
1 cup light corn syrup: Adds shine and sweetness
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness
3 cups pecan halves: The star of the show!

You’ll find the freshest ingredients for these homemade pecan pie bars at your local farmer’s market or specialty grocery store. For the best flavor in your Pecan Pie Bars, I recommend using high-quality butter and fresh pecans. The better the ingredients, the more delicious the final product will be!

This Pecan Pie Bars proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices. My family loves when I add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust for an extra touch of warmth. Feel free to experiment and find what works best for your family’s taste!

Let’s Create This Together!

Let’s get started on making these incredible Pecan Pie Bars together!

Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and flatten it into a disk. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. In my kitchen, chilling the dough properly is key to achieving that perfectly flaky crust.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit the bottom of the prepared pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and press it evenly into the bottom.
Pre-Bake the Crust: Prick the crust all over with a fork. This prevents it from puffing up during baking. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
Add the Pecans: Gently fold in the pecan halves until they are evenly distributed. This is the perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust. Spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Your easy pecan pie bars should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now!
Cool and Cut: Let the pecan dessert bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This prevents them from falling apart. Don’t be surprised if your Pecan Pie Bars develops a slight crack on top; it’s perfectly normal and doesn’t affect the taste!

Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Pecan Pie Bars – learn from my experience! I would rush the cooling process, and the bars would end up being too soft to cut cleanly. Now, I make sure to let them cool completely, and the result is perfect every time. While your Pecan Pie Bars is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family!

How We Love to Enjoy This!

There are so many ways to savor these delicious Pecan Pie Bars.

My family loves when I serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm, nutty bars and cold, creamy topping is simply divine. These Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying!

These bars also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich, sweet flavors of the bars complement the warmth and slight bitterness of the beverages perfectly.

For a more elegant presentation, you can cut the Pecan Pie Bars into small squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh berries. This makes them perfect for parties and gatherings.

If you have any leftover Pecan Pie Bars (which is rare in my house!), you can crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious breakfast treat. No good food goes to waste in my kitchen!

During the fall, I love adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for an extra layer of warmth. In the summer, I sometimes drizzle the bars with a bit of chocolate sauce for a decadent twist. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Pecan Pie Bars appears with their favorite toppings!

These Pecan Pie Bars are also a great addition to any holiday dessert table. Their rich, nutty flavor is a welcome contrast to other sweeter treats. I remember one year, I brought these bars to a Thanksgiving gathering, and they were gone in minutes! Everyone raved about how delicious they were.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get about making these Pecan Pie Bars:

Does this Pecan Pie Bars really satisfy hearty appetites?

Absolutely! The combination of the buttery crust and rich, nutty filling is incredibly satisfying. These bars are packed with flavor and substance, making them a perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Pecan Pie Bars?

You can easily adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of brown sugar in the filling. You can also use a mix of pecans and walnuts for a slightly less intense flavor.

How can I prepare this Pecan Pie Bars ahead for busy weeks?

You can make the crust ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The filling can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the bars and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of nut in this Pecan Pie Bars?

While pecans are the star of the show, you can certainly experiment with other nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would all be delicious.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust is essential for preventing a soggy bottom. Pricking the crust with a fork also helps to release steam and keep it crisp.

What’s the best way to store leftover Pecan Pie Bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze these Pecan Pie Bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

I’ve had readers ask if they could use honey instead of corn syrup. I haven’t tried it personally, but I’m sure it would add a unique flavor! Let me know how it turns out if you give it a try.

Final Kitchen Wisdom:

These Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to bring my family together and create lasting memories. I hope this recipe inspires you to do the same. For more genuine cooking ideas for family meals, explore my other posts!

My Pecan Pie Bars Flavor Secrets:

Use High-Quality Butter: The flavor of the butter really shines through in this recipe, so use the best you can find.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly filling. Bake just until the filling is set.
Let Cool Completely: Patience is key! Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.

Family-Tested Variations:

Chocolate Pecan Bars: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the filling. My son loves this version!
Bourbon Pecan Bars: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a boozy kick. This is my personal favorite.
Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Drizzle the cooled bars with salted caramel sauce for a decadent treat.

Remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love. Cook with joy, experiment with flavors, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Cooking should be a fun and creative process! I hope you enjoy these Pecan Pie Bars as much as my family does. May your kitchen be filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious aromas!

These Southern pecan pie bars truly are a taste of home, and I hope they become a cherished tradition in your family as well. Happy baking, fellow flavor seekers! And for another equally satisfying recipe, don’t forget to check out these other family favorites!

Here’s a reminder that sometimes the best meals are the simplest. These pecan pie squares are easy to make, but the flavor is anything but ordinary. For more inspiration, check out this festive recipe: Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for these bars!

These pecan dessert bars are a great way to celebrate any occasion. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser! And for another nutty treat, try this recipe!

Consider this recipe for Pecan Pie Bars Recipe (1,000 Times Easier Than Actual Pie!) | The … from The Kitchn.

Here is another Pecan Pie Bars Recipe – NatashasKitchen.com from Natasha’s Kitchen.

You can find yet another Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe | Cookies and Cups.

Pecan Pie Bars

Print Recipe

These Pecan Pie Bars offer all the rich, nutty flavor of classic pecan pie in a convenient, handheld form. A buttery shortbread crust is topped with a gooey pecan filling for a perfect sweet treat.

Author: Savannah Rose
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3-5 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups pecan halves

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Instructions

Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
Press the dough into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
Gradually whisk in the beaten eggs until well combined.
Stir in the pecan halves.
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the filling. These bars are also delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.