Name: Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup powdered sugar; ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup light corn syrup; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups chopped pecans; ¼ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving the comforting, nutty hug of a classic pecan pie but want something delightfully low-fuss, these Easy Pecan Pie Bars are about to become your go-to treat. Imagine all the cozy, gooey flavors of the holiday classic transformed into buttery, handheld squares—no fussy pie crust, no need for a pie plate, and absolutely no stress. These bars combine a just-sweet-enough shortbread base with a luscious brown sugar and pecan topping, making them the ultimate shareable dessert for gatherings, gifts, or simply spoiling yourself with a midday treat.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about these Easy Pecan Pie Bars is that you don’t need a specialty shopping trip—all the ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and chosen for maximum flavor and ease. Each one plays a starring role in creating perfect layers of melt-in-your-mouth crust and rich, nutty filling.

All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The structural backbone for your crust, keeping each bar sturdy yet tender.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): Delivers smooth sweetness to the base and helps with that meltaway shortbread texture.
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (¾ cup): Cold butter is the secret to a flaky, crumbly crust—don’t let it soften!
Light corn syrup (1 cup): This classic ingredient gives the pecan layer that irresistible, gooey sheen.
Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Brings a deep caramel undertone to the filling—dark or light brown sugar both work nicely.
Large eggs (4): Eggs hold everything together and provide that rich, custardy texture in the topping.
Melted unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds extra richness and flavor to the filling—because can you ever have too much butter?
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash, but what a difference! This brings warm, aromatic notes to every bite.
Chopped pecans (2 cups): The main event—fresh pecans offer crispness, toastiness, and that iconic pie flavor.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): A touch brings all the flavors into perfect balance.

How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, combine your flour and powdered sugar, then cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingertips. You’re looking for a mixture that’s sandy and crumbly—like coarse breadcrumbs. Don’t overwork it; the cold butter is what gives these Easy Pecan Pie Bars that unbeatable, tender base. Press this crust mixture evenly into your prepared pan, reaching all the corners, and tamp it down gently for even baking.

Step 2: Par-bake the Crust

Slide the crust into the oven and bake for 15 minutes, just until it’s set and starting to turn golden at the edges. This crucial step stops your base from getting soggy once you add the filling. Keep an eye on it—overbaking now could make the bars too dry.

Step 3: Mix the Pecan Pie Filling

While the crust is baking, grab a large bowl and whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Then stir in the chopped pecans until well distributed. The filling should have a rich, caramel-like aroma that hints at what’s to come!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Once the crust has finished its initial bake, take it out of the oven and immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot base. Spread it evenly so every inch gets its fair share of those crunchy pecans. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes. You’ll know your Easy Pecan Pie Bars are ready when the filling is set in the center and beautifully golden on top.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Resist the temptation to slice right away—the bars need to cool completely in the pan so the filling sets properly. This ensures clean, neat bars when you cut them. Once cool, use a sharp knife to slice into generous bars or bite-sized squares, depending on your mood (or guest list!).

How to Serve Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Garnishes

Dress your bars up or down depending on the occasion. A light dusting of powdered sugar gives them a festive, bakery-style finish. For extra indulgence, drizzle with melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream just before serving. Chopped toasted pecans sprinkled on top add crunch and a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Turn these Easy Pecan Pie Bars into a dessert plate by pairing with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, the contrast of cold ice cream and warm spices is out of this world. For an autumn-inspired treat, try serving alongside a mug of spiced chai or robust dark coffee; it’s a match made in dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer bars in a gift box with parchment for a stunning edible gift, or serve on a tiered cake stand at a holiday party for a bit of vintage charm. For an after-dinner wow, arrange the bars on a platter alongside pecan halves and chocolate curls, letting guests mix and match. However you present them, these bars always steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When the sweet craving strikes, you’ll be so glad to have leftover Easy Pecan Pie Bars! Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—they’ll stay soft and delicious. If you have a super airtight container, your bars will keep that fresh, tender texture even longer.

Freezing

Easy Pecan Pie Bars are totally freezer-friendly, making them ideal for both make-ahead treats and emergency dessert stashes. Simply wrap each bar tightly in plastic or foil, then store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars a little warm, pop individual squares in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds. Warming brings out their gooey, caramel flavor, especially when topping with ice cream. Just be careful not to overheat, as the filling can become too soft.

FAQs

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will give your Easy Pecan Pie Bars a deeper caramel flavor and a slightly richer color. Either variety works, so go with your personal preference or what you have in the pantry.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

The key is to par-bake the shortbread crust before pouring on the pecan filling. This helps create a barrier and keeps everything crisp and perfectly textured, even after storing.

Are there any mix-ins or additions I can use?

For a special twist, try stirring in a tablespoon of bourbon or maple syrup to the filling—the recipe is flexible! You can also add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the pecan layer if you’re feeling adventurous.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour to make gluten-free Easy Pecan Pie Bars. The texture is slightly different, but still deliciously satisfying.

Why do the bars need to cool completely before cutting?

Allowing the bars to cool ensures the filling sets up beautifully, preventing a gooey mess when slicing. If you try to cut too soon, the filling won’t hold together, and you’ll miss out on those perfect, neat squares.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or indulging in a little home-baked comfort, these Easy Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the magic of pecan pie with a fraction of the fuss. Grab your apron, gather those trusty pantry staples, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a classic dessert made even simpler. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!

Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Filling:

1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans
¼ teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
Finish the Bars: Pour the pecan filling over the partially baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set and golden. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.