Description
These Simple Pecan Pie Bars feature a buttery pecan shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan pie filling. Perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack, these bars combine the classic flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-slice, shareable bar format.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
For the filling:
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups light or dark corn syrup
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking as soon as your crust and filling are assembled.
- Prepare the Pecan Shortbread Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, white sugar, salt, and finely chopped pecans. Cut in the room-temperature butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish, forming a uniform crust and slightly pressing up the sides. Bake for 18-22 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the brown sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Gradually stir in corn syrup and maple syrup, then fold in the chopped pecans thoroughly.
- Assemble and Bake the Bars: Pour the prepared filling evenly over the hot baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center and a knife inserted near the edge comes out clean.
- Cool, Chill, and Slice: Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to facilitate slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, to slice into squares.
Notes
- Using a combination of light and dark corn syrup enhances flavor depth.
- Press the crust evenly and slightly up the dish edges to prevent filling from leaking.
- Refrigeration before cutting helps achieve clean slices.
- Wipe knife between cuts to prevent sticky residue buildup.
- Prep Time: 23 minutes
- Cook Time: 47 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan bars, pecan pie recipe, dessert bars, American desserts, nutty dessert, holiday dessert
