Southern Pecan Pie Bars: A Family Favorite

Picture this: It’s fall, the air is crisp, and the aroma of toasted pecans fills my kitchen. There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of Southern pecan pie bars, especially when shared with loved ones. I remember one Thanksgiving, my youngest, Lily, declared these pecan pie squares were “better than regular pie!” It’s a moment I’ll always cherish. These Southern pecan pie bars are more than dessert; they’re about creating connections around authentic, heartwarming flavors.As a home cook, I’m all about making life easier without sacrificing taste. That’s why I’m so excited to share my take on Southern pecan pie bars. It’s a simpler, quicker version of the classic pecan pie but just as delicious! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this pecan bar recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. I’m thrilled to guide you through this kitchen adventure, creating genuine, flavorful Southern pecan pie bars that will bring joy to your table.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delectable Southern pecan pie bars. Trust me, this ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!

For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup corn syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves

For the best flavor in your Southern pecan pie bars, I recommend sourcing your pecans from a local farm if possible. Fresh pecans make all the difference! You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this pecan bar recipe at your local farmer’s market or a well-stocked grocery store. Don’t skimp on the butter either; good quality butter adds richness and depth to these easy pecan pie bars.If you can’t find corn syrup, honey or maple syrup work as substitutes, though they will slightly alter the flavor. This Southern pecan pie bars proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices. My family loves when I add a pinch of sea salt on top of the pecan filling before baking. It enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast.

Let’s Create This Together!

Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Southern pecan pie bars. I’ll be right here with you!

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This step is important for ensuring your Southern pecan pie bars come out cleanly.
Make the Shortbread Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is where I used to miss a key step with my Southern pecan pie bars – learn from my experience! Make sure the butter is evenly distributed for a tender crust.
Press the Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. In my kitchen, this flavorful Southern pecan pie bars typically takes about 18 minutes.
Prepare the Pecan Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves until evenly coated with the filling mixture. Your Southern pecan pie bars should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now.
Pour and Bake: Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust. Spread evenly.
Bake the Bars: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. Don’t be surprised if your pecan bar recipe develops a slight wobble; it will firm up as it cools. While your pecan shortbread bars is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family!
Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or bars. Enjoy! Here’s where I used to get impatient, but trust me, letting them cool completely makes for cleaner cuts.

How We Love to Enjoy This!

There are so many ways to savor these Southern pecan pie bars! My family has a few favorite traditions.The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Southern pecan pie bars appears with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm bars and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast that everyone loves. I also like to serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. These pecan pie squares are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. They also make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and neighbors.For a simple yet elegant presentation, arrange the pecan pie squares on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar. To elevate the flavor, try adding a splash of bourbon to the pecan filling. These Southern pecan pie bars are perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying!Leftover Southern pecan pie bars can be transformed into a delicious ice cream topping. Simply crumble them over your favorite ice cream for a sweet and nutty treat. I sometimes add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. In the summer, I like to chill these Southern pecan pie bars in the fridge for a refreshing dessert. In the fall, they’re best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The kids also love pairing this with Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got questions about making these easy pecan pie bars? I’m here to help!

Does this Southern pecan pie bars really satisfy hearty appetites?

Absolutely! The rich, buttery crust and sweet, nutty filling make these bars incredibly satisfying. They’re a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.

What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Southern pecan pie bars?

You can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling to make them less sweet. You could also use a mix of pecans and walnuts for a slightly different flavor profile.

How can I prepare this Southern pecan pie bars ahead for busy weeks?

You can bake the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They also freeze well for longer storage. For more make-ahead inspiration, check out these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars!

Can I use a different type of crust for these pecan pie squares?

Yes, a graham cracker crust or a gingersnap crust would also work well. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Are there any variations of this pecan bar recipe I should try?

You can add chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a chocolate pecan pie bars. You can also sprinkle the top with sea salt before baking for a salted caramel pecan pie bars. The kitchn shares a simple recipe for Pecan Pie Bars Recipe (1,000 Times Easier Than Actual Pie!) | The ….

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to pre-bake the crust until it’s lightly golden before adding the filling. This will help it stay crisp.

What’s the best way to store leftover Southern pecan pie bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for several days. Erin Lives Whole features another take on Healthy Pecan Pie Bars – Erin Lives Whole if you’re seeking a healthier option.

Final Kitchen Wisdom:

This Southern pecan pie bars recipe is all about bringing joy and warmth to your family’s table. It’s a simple, delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These pecan pie squares will remind you of another family favorite: Cranberry Pecan Cheesecake Ball!

My Southern Pecan Pie Bars Flavor Secrets:

Quality Ingredients: Using the best quality butter and pecans makes a huge difference in the flavor of these bars.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make the filling dry and the crust hard. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the filling is set but still slightly soft.
Pinch of Salt: Adding a pinch of sea salt to the top of the filling enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast.

Family-Tested Southern Pecan Pie Bars Variations:

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the pecan filling.
Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the pecan filling. My husband loves this version!
Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars: Sprinkle the top with sea salt before baking.

I hope you and your family enjoy these Southern pecan pie bars as much as mine does. Let’s create those wonderful cooking successes! Now you’re ready to explore Pecan pie bar recipe with sweet and salty flavor.

Print

Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Print Recipe

These Southern Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious twist on classic pecan pie, offering all the rich, nutty flavor in an easy-to-eat bar form. Perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Author: Savannah Rose
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 70 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 powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4-6 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered 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.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork.
Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Gradually whisk in the beaten eggs until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Pour the filling over the partially baked crust.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Notes

For a richer flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.