Easy Pecan Pie Bars – A Sweet and Simple Delight

Pecan pie is a beloved classic, often associated with holiday celebrations and family gatherings. However, making a whole pecan pie can sometimes be a bit time-consuming. That’s where Easy Pecan Pie Bars come into play. These bars offer all the rich, gooey goodness of traditional pecan pie, but in a much more convenient, easy-to-serve form. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast, a casual family get-together, or a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner, these Pecan Pie Bars will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

In this article, we will guide you through the simple process of making these delicious bars. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Read on for the full recipe and learn why these Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect addition to your dessert table.

What Are Pecan Pie Bars?

Pecan pie bars are a simplified version of the classic pecan pie. Instead of making a traditional pie crust and filling, you bake these bars with a buttery, shortbread-like crust and a rich, caramelized pecan filling. The combination of buttery crust, sweet syrupy filling, and crunchy pecans is a match made in dessert heaven.

The beauty of Pecan Pie Bars is in their simplicity and ease of preparation. Unlike a traditional pecan pie, these bars are easy to cut into neat squares, making them perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make the best Pecan Pie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the crust, providing structure and a tender texture.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a flaky, buttery crust.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to complement the filling.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the crust.

For the Filling:

• 3 large eggs: The eggs provide structure and help bind the filling together.
• 1 cup light corn syrup: This syrup gives the filling its signature sweet, sticky consistency.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor with its molasses undertones.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pecans.
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans: The star ingredient of the bars, giving them that crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the butter and mix using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the prepared filling over the crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Be sure that the pecans are evenly distributed across the surface.

Step 5: Bake the Pecan Pie Bars

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly. The top should be golden brown, and the center should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the Pecan Pie Bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or rectangles. This will help the bars firm up and make them easier to cut. If desired, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Why These Pecan Pie Bars Are the Perfect Treat

A Simpler Take on the Classic

One of the main reasons Pecan Pie Bars have become so popular is their simplicity. Unlike traditional pecan pie, which requires a pie crust and more time to bake, these bars streamline the process. The shortbread-style crust is easy to make, and the filling comes together in just a few steps, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors of pecan pie in a fraction of the time.

Perfect for Sharing

Pecan Pie Bars are not only delicious but also easy to serve. With their square shape, they are perfect for cutting into neat portions and sharing with guests. They’re the ideal treat to bring to potlucks, dinner parties, or holiday gatherings.

Great for Make-Ahead Desserts

These bars are excellent for preparing in advance. You can bake them a day or two before your event, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or refrigerate them if you want to keep them fresh for longer.

A Delightful Balance of Sweetness and Texture

The combination of the rich, sweet filling and crunchy pecans makes each bite of these bars a delightful experience. The buttery crust adds a light, crumbly base that perfectly balances the gooey filling. Whether you’re a fan of pie or just love a good dessert bar, these Pecan Pie Bars will not disappoint.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars

• Use fresh pecans: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality pecans. Toasting them lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the filling can enhance their flavor even more.
• Avoid overbaking: To prevent the bars from becoming dry or too hard, avoid overbaking. The filling should be set but slightly soft in the center when done.
• Customize the flavor: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a dash of cinnamon to the filling for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

Conclusion

These Easy Pecan Pie Bars are a must-try for any dessert lover. They offer all the flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient and easy-to-make bar form. With a buttery, shortbread-like crust, a sweet and sticky pecan filling, and a satisfying crunch, they’re sure to become a go-to treat for holidays, parties, or any time you crave a delicious dessert.

Try these bars today, and you’ll see why they’ve become such a popular and beloved treat. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and simply irresistible!