Easy Pecan Pie Bars

ByDonnalea
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If you love pecan pie but don’t want a whole slice, give these Easy Pecan Pie Bars a try. With just 15 minutes prep, these bars have all the sweet pecan pie flavor without a lot of fuss.

Make these for a sweet Thanksgiving treat, add them to your Christmas dessert trays, or just make them for a casual weekend treat.

three easy pecan pie bars stacked on top of one another.

Why I’m Nuts About These Bars

  • I love traditional pecan pie but what I love even more is not having the work of rolling and crimping a pie crust.
  • The shortbread base is buttery and tender, while the pecan topping is sweet, rich, and wonderfully gooey. 
  • Pecan pie bars are so much easier to serve than pie! Just pick up a small square and enjoy that delicious taste without consuming too many calories.
  • Cut these bars into 16 squares or make smaller pieces for a holiday dessert trays. 
  • A sprinkle of sea salt at the end, while optional is tasty! It balances the sweetness and makes the pecan flavor really stand out.
butter, corn syrup, pecans, eggs, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, powdered sugar, assembled to make easy pecan pie bars.

INgredients You’ll Need

  • Butter: You need butter for the shortbread crust and the pecan topping. It provides a rich, delicious, buttery flavor.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is needed to form the base of this simple shortbread crust.
  • Powdered Sugar: Add a little powdered sugar to sweeten the crust.
  • Brown Sugar: The key ingredient that adds sweetness and creates a caramel-like texture and flavor.
  • Corn Syrup: I love to add this to the filling to create an extra gooey texture.
  • Pecans: Chopped pecans add nutty flavor and the perfect crunch.
  • Eggs: Necessary to set the filling as it bakes.
  • Heavy Cream: While optional, it adds a touch of rich flavor and creates a smooth pecan filling.
  • Vanilla: A little vanilla adds tasty flavor.
  • Sea Salt: Optional, but highly recommended for a sweet and salty finish.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

process to make easy pecan pie bars with the shortbread base in a baking pan.
process to make easy pecan pie bars where brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a sauce pan.
process to make easy pecan pie bars where the pecan filling is in a sauce pan before the pecans, eggs and vanilla has been added.
process to make easy pecan pie bars once all filling ingredients have been added to a saucepan.
  1. Mix the base ingredients, press into pan, and bake. Cool.
  2. Melt filling ingredients, except eggs, together.
  3. Whisk eggs, stir continuously into pecan mixture.
  4. Pour onto crust and bake. Cool before slicing.
easy pecan pie bars in a baking pan before extra pecans are added to the top.
process to make easy pecan pie bars with extra pecans placed on top of the filling before being baked.

Bake Better Pecan Bars

  • Be sure to grease and line pan with parchment paper to ensure the bars are easy to remove and slice.
  • Press the crust firmly into the baking pan using the back of a measuring cup, or another flat surface, to create an even, compact base.
  • Whisk eggs quickly and continually into pecan mixture to ensure eggs don’t begin to cook.
  • While you will want to cut into these bars right away, you need to wait! The filling needs time to set so you can cut clean slices.
  • The texture of these bars, as well as the flavor is even better the next day! Perfect to make for any occasion.
one square of easy pecan pie bars on a white plate.

Storage Solutions

  • Store cooled pecan pie bars in an airtight container, use parchment paper in between layers.
  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature to soften and serve.

Can I make pecan pie bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are a great make-ahead dessert because both the texture and flavor are better after setting. Prepare them a day or two before serving and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Or freeze for longer term storage.

How to create the cleanest cuts?

Allow bars to cool completely and chill them. Heat a sharp knife under hot water, wipe with a paper towel, then slice. Repeat for each slice.

Do pecan pie bars need to be refrigerated?

Since they have eggs, you should refrigerate them for longer storage. But bring them to room temperature to serve.

Can I freeze pecan pie bars?

Yes! Cool the bars, wrap them well with plastic and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. 

three easy pecan pie bars stacked on each other with the top with a bite taken out of it.

More Dessert Recipes To Try!

I hope you are inspired to make these Easy Pecan Pie Bars! Comment and rate the recipe below.

three easy pecan pie bars stacked on top of one another.
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Easy Pecan Pie Bars

By Donnalea
Servings 16
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 50 minutes
Cool 4 hours
Total 5 hours 5 minutes
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With a shortbread crust, gooey pecan filling, and just 15 minutes of prep these Easy Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for holidays, dessert trays, or just a sweet treat anytime.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup corn syrup
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 ½ cup chopped pecans plus more to top (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 Tablespoon heavy cream optional
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • sea salt optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350˚F. Grease and line a 8×8" baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, add ½ cup butter, 1 cup flour, and 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar Mix with a pastry blender, a fork, or your fingers until crumbly.
  • Fold mixture into the prepared pan, press down with the back of a measuring cup, then bake for 20 minutes. Allow base to cool on a wire rack while preparing the topping.
  • In a saucepan melt ¼ cup butter with ¾ cup brown sugar and ½ cup corn syrup. Remove from heat and cool. Add 1 ½ cup chopped pecans, 1 Tablespoon heavy cream (if using), and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
  • In a small bowl whisk 2 large eggs, then add to the pecan mixture, stirring constantly. Pour over prepared the base. Top with whole pecan halves if using.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle with sea salt, if using.
  • Cool completely. Cut into 16 square.

Notes

  • Nutrition calculated without optional pecan halves on top.
  • Cool for at least 4 hours.
  • These bars will slice better if refrigerated first.
  • Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 87mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 319IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

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three easy pecan pie bars stacked on each other with the top with a bite taken out of it with a title.
one square of easy pecan pie bars on a white plate with a title.
three easy pecan pie bars stacked on top of one another with a title.
Two easy pecan pie bars stacked up with a title.
one square of easy pecan pie bars on a white plate and baked pecan pie bars in a baking dish under the title.
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