Oh my goodness, let me tell you about pecan pie bars! These little treats are a wonderful twist on the classic pecan pie, bringing all those delicious flavors into a convenient bar form. I mean, who doesn’t love the rich, nutty goodness of pecans paired with that sweet, sticky filling? The best part is how easy they are to make! You can whip these up in no time, and they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or just enjoying at home with a cup of coffee. Trust me, once you try these pecan pie bars, they’ll become a go-to dessert in your recipe rotation. They’re chewy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying—just what you need to satisfy that sweet tooth!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating! You’ll want to set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps achieve that perfect golden crust. Plus, it ensures everything bakes evenly. So, go ahead and turn it on while you prep the other ingredients!
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine your sifted flour, softened butter, brown sugar, and salt. Using a fork or your fingers, mix everything together until it becomes crumbly. You want to feel a bit of texture, but it should hold together when you squeeze it. Now, take this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan. Make sure it’s even; this crust is going to be the delicious base for your bars!
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Pop that crust into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for it to be lightly golden and set. Keep an eye on it, because nobody likes a burnt crust! Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes while you whip up that scrumptious filling.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This is where the magic happens! Once it’s all mixed, fold in those chopped pecans. You want them evenly distributed throughout the filling for that delightful nutty crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Now, pour that pecan mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is set and doesn’t jiggle too much. Just the right amount of wobble is perfect, though—don’t overbake!
Step 6: Cooling and Cutting
Once your bars are baked to perfection, take them out and let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them easier to cut. After they’ve cooled, grab a sharp knife and cut them into squares or rectangles. I like to go for about 16 bars, but you can make them larger or smaller depending on your craving. Enjoy your delicious pecan pie bars!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in just about 15 minutes of prep time, making them an easy choice for any weeknight dessert or last-minute gathering.
- Easy to Serve: Unlike traditional pecan pie, these bars are easy to cut and serve, so you won’t have to worry about messy slices or any crust crumbling.
- All the Flavors: They pack all the deliciousness of classic pecan pie into a convenient bar form—sweet, nutty, and utterly satisfying!
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday party, a picnic, or just a cozy get-together, these bars are a surefire hit that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your twist! Toss in some chocolate chips or drizzle caramel on top for an extra special treat.
- Make Ahead: They store well, so you can make them in advance and keep them on hand for when those sweet cravings hit.
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s talk about how to make these pecan pie bars absolutely perfect! I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that will help you impress your family and friends.
- Evenly Pressed Crust: When you’re pressing the crust into the pan, make sure it’s even all around. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down and create a solid base. This way, it won’t crumble when you cut into it!
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on that oven! Ovens can vary, so check your bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time. You want the filling set with just a slight jiggle in the center—that’s the sweet spot!
- Cooling is Key: Don’t rush the cooling process. Letting them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up nicely. If you cut them too early, they might fall apart!
- Storage Matters: Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for the best texture. If they last longer than a few days (which is rare!), you can refrigerate them, but they’ll lose a bit of that chewy goodness.
- Customization: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Want a chocolatey twist? Add some mini chocolate chips to the filling. Or, for an extra special touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving!
Following these tips will make your pecan pie bars a hit every time. Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep those delicious pecan pie bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They’re best kept at room temperature for up to 5 days, where they’ll maintain their chewy texture and sweet flavor. If you need to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge, but just know they might lose a bit of that delightful chewiness after a few days.
Now, if you want to enjoy them warm, which is a total treat, you can reheat them! Just take a bar and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without turning it into a gooey mess. You can also warm them in the oven; just preheat it to 350°F (175°C), wrap the bars in foil, and bake for about 10 minutes. This way, they’ll be perfectly warmed through and oh-so-delicious! Enjoy every bite of your pecan pie bars, whether they’re fresh out of the oven or warmed up later on!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical values to give you an idea.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
So, as you can see, these pecan pie bars are a sweet indulgence with a good balance of flavors and textures. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, especially if you’re counting those calories! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans are the classic choice for these bars, you can certainly switch things up. Walnuts or even almonds can work nicely if you prefer a different flavor or texture. Just make sure to chop them up similarly to how you would with pecans!
How do I know when they are done?
You’ll know your pecan pie bars are ready when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. The edges should be firm, and the top will have a lovely golden color. If you poke it gently with a toothpick, it should come out mostly clean with a few sticky crumbs—perfect!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These bars are great for making ahead of time. I often bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just let them cool completely before cutting and storing. They’ll be just as delicious when you’re ready to serve them!
Can I freeze pecan pie bars?
Definitely! You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. They’ll still taste amazing!
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
For clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife and wiping it with a damp cloth between cuts. This will help prevent the sticky filling from sticking to the knife and will give you those nice, clean squares. Enjoy your perfectly cut pecan pie bars!
Pecan Pie Bars: 5 Reasons They’re Irresistibly Delicious
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan pie bars are a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of pecan pie in a convenient bar form.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, brown sugar, and salt until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- Best served at room temperature.
- Can be topped with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pecan pie bars
