Okay, so picture this: holidays are coming, you need a dessert, but the thought of wrestling with a pie crust makes you wanna hide. That’s where my Pecan Pie Bars swoop in to save the day! Seriously, these things are like pecan pie’s cool, laid-back cousin. They’re just… easier.
I started making these years ago when I was in charge of Thanksgiving dessert. I love pecan pie, but honestly, making a whole pie felt like climbing a mountain. So, I thought, “Why not bars?” And wow, they were a hit! Now, Pecan Pie Bars are always requested. They’re perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or, you know, just a Tuesday night when you need a little something sweet. Trust me, you’ll love ‘em!
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars
Seriously, there are a million reasons to adore these Pecan Pie Bars. But here are my top three:
Quick and Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Forget hours in the kitchen! These bars come together in a snap. We’re talking minimal effort for maximum yum!
Perfectly Portable Pecan Pie Bars
Pies are a pain to transport, right? These bars? Slice ’em, pack ’em, and go! Road trip, potluck, you name it!
Deliciously Nutty Pecan Pie Bars Flavor
That classic pecan pie taste you crave, but in bar form! Sweet, nutty, and oh-so-satisfying. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You’ll need the usual suspects for a pecan pie, but in bar form! I’m talking all-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups), cold butter (1/2 cup, or 1 stick, cubed!), sugar, pecans (1 cup halves), corn syrup, and a few other goodies. Don’t worry, I’ll break it down!
Making the Pecan Pie Bars Crust
The crust is all about that buttery, crumbly goodness! Flour, cold butter, sugar, salt, and a little ice water – that’s all you need for a perfect base.
Creating the Pecan Pie Bars Filling
Here’s where the magic happens! Pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar (packed!), melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Sweet, nutty perfection!
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friend, let’s get baking! Don’t worry, this is easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have amazing Pecan Pie Bars in no time. Promise!
Preparing the Crust for Pecan Pie Bars
First, preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C) – gotta get it nice and toasty! Then, mix your flour, butter, sugar, and salt until it looks like coarse crumbs. Next, drizzle in that ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together. Press it into your 9×13 pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, until it’s lightly golden. Don’t skip the pre-bake, it’s important!
Assembling the Pecan Pie Bars Filling
While the crust is baking (or cooling slightly, if you’re speedy!), whisk together your pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Make sure everything is well combined! Then, pour that glorious filling right over your pre-baked crust. Doesn’t that look amazing already?
Baking Your Pecan Pie Bars to Perfection
Pop that pan back into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set – it shouldn’t jiggle too much when you gently shake the pan. Now, here’s the hardest part: let them COOL COMPLETELY before you even *think* about cutting them. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars
Want to take your Pecan Pie Bars from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years to make them truly unforgettable. These are game changers, trust me!
Achieving the Perfect Crust for Pecan Pie Bars
Cold butter is your friend! Keep everything chilled – even your hands if you can! This will give you that flaky, tender crust we all crave. No one wants a tough crust!
Getting the Filling Just Right for Pecan Pie Bars
Don’t overbake! A slight jiggle in the center is okay; it’ll set as it cools. Overbaking leads to a hard, cracked filling, and nobody wants that! Also, make sure your brown sugar is packed for the right sweetness and moisture. For more baking tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s ingredient substitution guide.
Cooling and Cutting Pecan Pie Bars
Patience, my friend! Let those bars cool *completely* before cutting. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a gooey mess. A warm knife helps make clean cuts!
Pecan Pie Bars Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Pecan Pie Bars? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! This recipe is totally begging for some personal touches, and I’ve got a few ideas to get you started. Let’s remix these bars!
Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Toss in about a cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet – your call!) into the filling before baking. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Spiced Pecan Pie Bars
Want a little extra warmth? Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a little ginger to the filling. Perfect for the holidays!
Different Nuts in Pecan Pie Bars
Feeling adventurous? Try using walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of different nuts instead of (or in addition to!) the pecans. Get nutty with it!
Serving Suggestions for Your Pecan Pie Bars
Alright, you’ve got these gorgeous Pecan Pie Bars… but what do you serve with them? Honestly, they’re amazing on their own, but a little something extra never hurts! Here are a couple of my favorite pairings that really take these bars to the next level. Prepare for deliciousness!
Pecan Pie Bars with Ice Cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic for a reason! But if you’re feeling fancy, try caramel or even butter pecan ice cream. Wowza!
Pecan Pie Bars with Whipped Cream
Homemade whipped cream is always a winner, but store-bought works just fine too! A dollop of fluffy cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, nutty bars.
Storing and Reheating Your Pecan Pie Bars
Okay, so you’ve made these amazing Pecan Pie Bars, but you have leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious (and how to warm them up if you’re feeling fancy!).
How to Store Pecan Pie Bars
Just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay yummy for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!
Reheating Pecan Pie Bars
Want a warm, gooey slice? Nuke it in the microwave for like, 10-15 seconds. Or, you can warm them in a low oven. Ooh la la!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie Bars
Got questions about my Pecan Pie Bars? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this recipe. Don’t be shy – baking should be fun!
Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars?
Yep, you sure can! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for a month or two. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. Easy!
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy in Pecan Pie Bars?
Ah, the dreaded soggy crust! Pre-baking the crust is key! It creates a barrier, plus make sure the crust is cooled before adding the filling. That really helps keep things crisp!
Can I use a different type of sweetener in Pecan Pie Bars?
You *can* experiment! Maple syrup or honey could work, but they’ll change the flavor and texture a bit. I haven’t tried it myself, but if you do, let me know how it goes! Brown sugar is really the best for that classic pecan pie flavor, though!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Pecan Pie Bars
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist! Just so you know, these numbers are estimates. It all depends on the brands and ingredients you use, so don’t take this as gospel, okay?
Enjoy Your Homemade Pecan Pie Bars!
And there you have it! Your very own batch of glorious Pecan Pie Bars, ready to be devoured! I really hope you love them as much as my family does. If you give this recipe a try, please, please, *please* rate it and leave a comment below! I’d love to hear about your experience and any fun variations you come up with! And hey, don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on social media – tag me, I wanna see! What did you think? Did you add chocolate chips? I’m dying to know!
Irresistible Pecan Pie Bars: Ditch Pie, Bake 1 Pan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious pecan pie bars are a sweet and nutty treat. These bars are perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4–6 tablespoons ice water
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Cut butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together.
- Press dough into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour filling over pre-baked crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until filling is set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the filling.
- Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for extra warmth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
