How do I make pecan pie bars from scratch?

To make pecan pie bars, start by preparing a buttery shortbread crust using flour, sugar, and butter. Press the dough evenly into a baking pan and bake it for about 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). While the crust bakes, mix the filling with eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla, and chopped pecans. Pour the filling over the hot crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.

What is the best way to store pecan pie bars?

Pecan pie bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars, where they can last up to a week. To keep them fresh, place parchment paper between layers if stacking. Before serving, you can warm the bars slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the filling.

Can pecan pie bars be made gluten-free?

Yes, pecan pie bars can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum or add it separately to improve texture. Also, double-check that all other ingredients, like corn syrup and flavorings, are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

How can I prevent pecan pie bars from being too sticky or runny?

To avoid sticky or runny pecan pie bars, carefully measure the corn syrup and brown sugar as too much liquid can affect the filling’s consistency. Baking the bars long enough—until the filling is just set and slightly firm to the touch—helps them hold together better. Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing also ensures the filling solidifies properly.

What toppings or variations work well on pecan pie bars?

Pecan pie bars can be topped with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor contrast. For variations, consider adding chocolate chips to the filling, using maple syrup instead of corn syrup, or mixing chopped walnuts with pecans for a different nutty taste. These twists add extra texture and flavor to the classic recipe.

Pecan Pie Bars Recipe With Buttery Crust And Sweet Filling

Name: Pecan Pie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489621H16M42S
Total time: PT-489621H16M42S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – Cooking spray; – 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; – 1/4 cup granulated sugar; – 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; – 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting; – 3/4 cup light or dark corn syrup; – 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; – 2 large eggs; – 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; – 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces (about 6 ounces)

Description

🥧 Enjoy the rich and buttery flavor of these Pecan Pie Bars, combining a crisp crust with a sweet, nutty filling.
🌰 Perfect for any occasion, these bars offer the classic taste of pecan pie in an easy-to-serve, portable form.

Ingredients

– Cooking spray

– 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

– 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

– 3/4 cup light or dark corn syrup

– 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar

– 2 large eggs

– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

– 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces (about 6 ounces)

Instructions

1-Preheat and Prepare the Pan: First, set your oven to 350°F and coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper so the edges hang over for easy removal later. This step helps the bars come out clean and prevents sticking.

2-Making the Crust: Next, in a mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and salt until creamy, which takes about 2 minutes. Add the flour on low speed and mix until it turns crumbly, about 30 seconds. Press this dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.

3-Preparing the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the pecan pieces to combine everything well. Once the crust is ready, pour this filling over it and spread it evenly.

4-Baking and Cooling: Bake the bars for another 25 to 30 minutes until the filling sets and becomes dark golden brown. After baking, cool them on a wire rack for about 1.5 hours, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Finally, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and cut them into 12 pieces.

Notes

🌰 Use pecan pieces instead of halves to save costs.
🍯 Light or dark corn syrup works for achieving the classic sweetness and caramel texture.
🧈 Use unsalted butter for better salt control; reduce crust salt if using salted butter.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 to 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 317
Sugar: 24.1g
Sodium: 171mg
Fat: 19.6g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34.7g
Fiber: 1.7g
Protein: 3.6g

Keywords: Pecan Pie Bars, Buttery Crust, Sweet Nut Filling, Classic Dessert