The Ultimate Pecan Pie Recipe That Wows Every Time

Pecan pie represents a quintessential Southern dessert that promises pure indulgence for sweet-loving enthusiasts.

Its rich, caramelized filling captures the essence of comfort and tradition in every delectable bite.

Crisp, buttery pastry cradles a luxurious mixture of golden sugars and toasted nuts, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

The dessert embodies warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings and cherished culinary moments.

Maple undertones and a silky-smooth consistency elevate this classic treat beyond ordinary expectations.

Robust nutty flavors intertwine with decadent sweetness, offering a sensory experience that transcends typical dessert boundaries.

Each slice tells a story of culinary craftsmanship and genuine passion for baking.

Pecan Pie Bars at a Glance

• Capture Pecan Pie Comfort: These bite-sized treats pack the classic flavor of traditional pecan pie into a convenient, portable snack that melts in your mouth with rich, warm sweetness.
• Quick and Easy Baking Magic: Whip up these delights in just 20 minutes, using simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that make baking feel like a breeze for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile Dessert Sensation: Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or midnight cravings, these pecan pie balls offer a delightful twist on the traditional pie that's sure to impress friends and family with their irresistible coating of powdered sugar and deep nutty flavor.

What’s in Pecan Pie Bars

• Pecans: Sweet, rich nuts that give the delights their signature flavor and crunchy texture. Choose fresh, whole pecans for the best taste and quality.

• Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup: Provide deep caramel-like sweetness and help bind the ingredients together. Light or dark brown sugar works well for different flavor intensities.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a classic graham cracker flavor and helps create a sturdy texture for the delights. Use store-bought crumbs or crush crackers at home.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps meld the ingredients. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet undertones that complement the pecan flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
• Cinnamon: Offers a warm, spicy note that enhances the overall dessert profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a soft, sweet coating that adds visual appeal and extra sweetness to the delights.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars Fast

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Create Flavor Mixture

• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Graham cracker crumbs

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Bites

Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes or until the balls turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 5: Add Powdered Sweetness

After removing from oven, let the balls cool slightly. Gently roll each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring an even, delicate coating.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Enjoy these Pecan Pie Delights warm for a gooey center or let them cool completely for a firmer texture. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo!

Tips for Better Pecan Pie Bars

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure consistent texture and flavor in every batch.
• Chill Before Rolling: Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to make rolling the balls easier and prevent sticky hands.
• Toast Pecans First: Lightly toast pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the delights.
• Control Sugar Coating: Sift powdered sugar for a more even and delicate coating that won't clump or look too heavy.
• Storage Secret: Keep Pecan Pie Delights in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and rich taste.

Store and Warm Up Pecan Bars

• Storage
• Refrigerate Pecan Pie Delights in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture. Keep them away from moisture to preserve their crisp exterior.
• Freezing
• Wrap individual delights in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore their original soft consistency.
• Reheating
• Warm gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to revive their fresh-baked flavor. Microwave sparingly to avoid losing the delicate crumb and golden exterior. Sprinkle fresh powdered sugar after reheating for an extra touch of sweetness.

What Goes with Pecan Pie Bars

• Savor Whiskey Warmth: Pair these pecan pie delights with a smooth bourbon or rye whiskey to complement the rich, nutty flavors and enhance the dessert's warmth.
• Brew Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a hot espresso or dark roast coffee, which cuts through the sweetness and adds a robust depth to each bite.
• Creamy Vanilla Contrast: Accompany with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a delightful temperature and texture contrast that elevates the pecan pie delights.
• Sparkling Dessert Wine: Match with a sweet moscato or late-harvest wine that mirrors the dessert's caramel undertones and provides a light, effervescent finish.

Pecan Pie Bar Upgrades

• Chocolate Chip Pecan Treats: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the mixture for a rich, decadent flavor that complements the nutty pecans.
• Maple Pecan Bites: Swap corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add a dash of nutmeg for a warm, autumnal profile that enhances the pecan's natural sweetness.
• Coconut Pecan Gems: Mix in shredded coconut and replace graham cracker crumbs with coconut graham crackers for a tropical-inspired version with added texture and tropical notes.
• Spiced Rum Pecan Balls: Incorporate a splash of dark rum into the mixture and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to create a more complex, adult-friendly treat with depth of flavor.

Pecan Pie Delights Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic Southern pecan pie brings warmth and nostalgia to holiday tables with rich caramel notes and buttery crust. Nutty pecans and silky filling create a sweet symphony you’ll savor until the last delectable crumb.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) chopped pecans
• 1 cup (240 ml) graham cracker crumbs

Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (120 ml) packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) corn syrup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) powdered sugar (for coating)

Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the delights.
2. Combine chopped pecans, dark brown sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted melted butter, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and finely crushed graham cracker crumbs in a spacious mixing bowl, stirring until all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and carefully form compact 1-inch spherical shapes, ensuring consistent size and density.
4. Arrange the pecan balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow proper heat circulation and prevent sticking.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for a golden-brown coloration that indicates perfect caramelization.
6. Remove from the oven and let the delights rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly and cool just enough to handle.
7. Gently roll each warm delight in powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet exterior that adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
8. Serve immediately while warm for a soft, gooey texture, or allow to cool completely for a firmer, more structured bite.

Notes

• Prep ahead by measuring and chopping all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth, quick assembly.
• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better incorporation of ingredients into the mixture.
• Roll balls uniformly to guarantee consistent baking and even coating with powdered sugar.
• Watch carefully during baking to prevent burning, as pecans can quickly turn from golden to overdone.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
• For extra flavor depth, lightly toast pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty, rich profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg