Pecan Pie Bars Recipe with Sweet and Crunchy Layers

These irresistible pecan pie delight bars redefine a classic dessert into a handheld treat that captures sweet Southern charm.

Rich, buttery layers promise a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Crumbly shortbread provides a sturdy foundation for the decadent caramel-like filling bursting with toasted nuts.

Warm spices and golden pecans create a nostalgic sensation reminiscent of family gatherings and holiday memories.

Each bar delivers a perfect balance between crisp crust and gooey center, elevating the traditional pie experience.

Unexpected twists in the recipe make these bars more than just another dessert – they’re a celebration of comfort and indulgence.

The aroma alone will draw people into the kitchen, promising a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Pecan Pie Bars at a Glance

• Effortless Sweet Symphony: These pecan pie bars combine the classic comfort of traditional pie with a super-easy bar format that simplifies dessert preparation for busy home bakers.
• Textural Touchdown: Crispy pie crust meets gooey caramel-like filling and crunchy pecan pieces, creating an irresistible multi-layered sensory experience in every single bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and casual dessert settings, these bars can be quickly prepared and sliced, making them ideal for feeding a hungry group without complex plating requirements.

Pecan Pie Bars Ingredient Breakdown

• Refrigerated Pie Crusts: Perfect base for creating a delicious foundation, easy to use straight from the package.

• Corn Syrup: Essential for creating a smooth, glossy filling with rich sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like flavor and helps create a rich, gooey texture.
• Eggs: Bind the filling together and contribute to the smooth consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a luxurious, creamy filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.

• Pecan Halves: Classic pie nut that offers a delightful crunch and rich, buttery flavor, best when fresh and whole.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

Make Pecan Pie Bars in No Time

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure easy bar removal after baking.

Step 2: Create Crust Base

Gently unroll refrigerated pie crusts and press into the bottom of the greased pan. Smooth out the crust evenly, trimming any excess edges to create a perfect bottom layer.

Step 3: Craft Delicious Filling

• Corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Whisk until smooth and thoroughly combined. Fold in pecan halves, ensuring they’re completely coated with the luscious mixture.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the pecan mixture over the crust, spreading evenly across the pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a set filling and a beautiful golden-brown surface that signals these bars are ready to delight.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares or bars of your preferred size. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

• Toast Pecans Perfectly: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the mixture to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Brush the pie crust with a thin layer of beaten egg white before adding the filling to create a protective barrier that keeps the crust crisp and prevents sogginess.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a knife near the center of the bars – it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs to indicate perfect baking without overcooking.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate the bars for 1-2 hours before slicing to ensure clean, precise edges and easier serving.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of bourbon or a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for an extra layer of rich, complex flavor that elevates the traditional pecan pie taste.

Store and Enjoy Pecan Pie Bars Later

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness. Always use clean utensils when handling to preserve quality.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and taste.
• Reheating: Warm chilled bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the crisp crust and gooey pecan filling. Enjoy slightly warm for the best flavor experience.

Pair Pecan Pie Bars with These

• Sip Smooth Southern Comfort: Pair these rich pecan pie bars with a classic bourbon whiskey, which complements the nutty, caramel-like sweetness of the dessert. The warm alcohol notes will enhance the depth of the pecans and brown sugar.
• Brew Creamy Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a hot cappuccino or vanilla latte, allowing the espresso's robust flavor to balance the pie's sweetness while the creamy milk softens the richness of the pecan filling.
• Match Dessert Wine Delight: Select a sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling or a Pedro Ximénez sherry, which will mirror the caramel undertones and provide a luxurious liquid counterpoint to the dense, nutty bars.
• Create Ice Cream Contrast: Top the warm pecan bars with a scoop of vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream, creating a temperature and texture contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience with cool, creamy indulgence.

Switch Up Your Pecan Pie Bars

• Chocolate Pecan Paradise: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars after cooling, creating a rich, decadent layer that complements the nutty pecan filling.
• Caramel Crunch Sensation: Sprinkle sea salt and add a homemade caramel sauce on top, introducing a sweet-salty contrast that elevates the classic pecan pie flavor profile.
• Bourbon-Infused Classic: Incorporate a splash of bourbon into the filling mixture, adding depth and warmth to the traditional pecan pie bar recipe that brings a sophisticated touch.
• Maple Pecan Bliss: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add a hint of cinnamon, transforming the bars into a cozy, autumnal treat that celebrates natural sweetness.

Pecan Pie Delight Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pecan Pie Delight Bars bring southern comfort to dessert lovers with rich, buttery layers of golden shortbread and caramelized pecans. Silky smooth caramel and toasted nuts create an irresistible treat you cannot resist savoring slice after delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups pecan halves
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light corn syrup

Crust:

• 1 package (16 ounces/454 grams) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and gently press them into the prepared pan, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom surface. Trim any overhanging edges for a neat appearance.
3. Create the rich filling by whisking together corn syrup, dark brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, large eggs, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Fold the pecan halves into the liquid mixture, making sure each nut is thoroughly coated with the sweet syrup blend.
5. Delicately pour the pecan-filled mixture over the pie crust, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer that covers the entire surface.
6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for visual cues of doneness: a golden-brown surface and a set filling that no longer wobbles when gently shaken.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling firm up and makes cutting easier.
8. Once fully cooled, slice into squares or rectangular bars using a sharp knife, creating uniform portions for serving.

Notes

• Preparation is key to achieving perfectly golden, gooey pecan pie bars with a crisp, buttery crust.
• Chilling the bars briefly after cooling helps create cleaner, more precise cuts when slicing.
• Using room temperature eggs ensures a smoother, more evenly blended filling that bakes more consistently.
• Toasting pecans before adding them to the mixture can enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the dessert.
• Opt for dark brown sugar for a richer, more caramel-like sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg