Easy Pecan Pie Bars: The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

If you’re a fan of classic pecan pie, but you’ve been looking for a simpler, portable version to satisfy your sweet tooth, Easy Pecan Pie Bars are the answer. These bars offer everything you love about pecan pie—sweet, nutty, and buttery goodness—without the hassle of rolling out pie crust. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just indulging in a cozy treat, these bars will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Easy Pecan Pie Bars

There’s something irresistible about pecan pie’s combination of rich, caramel-like filling and crunchy pecans. Pecan pie bars take that same magic and turn it into a quick, manageable recipe. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Convenient: No pie crust required! The shortbread crust is simple to prepare and a breeze to work with.
• Portable: Perfect for parties, potlucks, and holiday dessert spreads.
• Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness, nut-to-filling ratio, and even add toppings like chocolate chips.
• Delicious: Every bite offers a perfect balance of buttery crust, sweet filling, and crunchy pecans.

Ingredients for Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dessert:

Shortbread Crust:

Ingredient	Amount
Butter	6 tablespoons
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Granulated sugar	1/4 cup

Pecan Pie Filling:

Ingredient	Amount
Pecans (whole or chopped)	2 cups
Butter (melted)	1/4 cup
Eggs (room temperature)	2 large
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Brown sugar (packed)	1 cup
Dark corn syrup	1/2 cup
Salt	1/2 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9″ baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine butter, flour, and granulated sugar. Use a pastry cutter or mixer until the mixture becomes crumbly. If it doesn’t hold together when pressed, add a tablespoon of water.
3. Press the Mixture: Firmly press the shortbread mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust looks slightly puffed and dry. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Pecan Pie Filling

1. Whisk the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
2. Add the Pecans: Fold in the pecans, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the filling mixture.

3. Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the Filling: Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake the Bars: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set. A slight jiggle in the center is fine; it will firm up as it cools.

4. Cool and Slice

1. Cool Completely: Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours to make slicing easier.
2. Slice into Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares for serving.

Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

1. Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the filling mix more smoothly.
2. Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling enhances their flavor.
3. Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make the filling too firm and dry. Watch for the slight jiggle in the center.
4. Chill Before Slicing: Cold bars hold their shape better, giving you clean edges when slicing.
5. Line Your Pan: Parchment paper makes removing the bars a breeze, so you don’t have to worry about sticking.

How to Serve Easy Pecan Pie Bars

• Warm: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Cold: Enjoy them straight out of the fridge for a firmer texture.
• Topped: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	260
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	15g
Fiber	1g

Variations and Additions

• Chocolate Chip Pecan Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
• Maple Pecan Bars: Replace corn syrup with maple syrup for a rich, smoky flavor.
• Bourbon Pecan Bars: Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a grown-up version.
• Nut Mix: Substitute half of the pecans with walnuts or almonds for variety.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

1. Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
2. Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
3. Make Ahead: You can prepare the shortbread crust and pecan filling separately a day ahead. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark corn syrup?

Yes, but dark corn syrup adds a deeper, richer flavor to the filling. Light corn syrup will result in a milder taste.

2. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Refrigerate the bars before slicing, and use a sharp knife. Wipe the blade with a damp cloth between cuts.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13” pan and adjust the baking time slightly to ensure even cooking.

4. Are these bars gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the crust to make them gluten-free.

5. Can I omit the pecans?

While pecans are the star ingredient, you can substitute them with walnuts or even a mix of dried fruits.

6. How do I know when the filling is set?

Look for a slight jiggle in the center; it will firm up as the bars cool.

Why You Should Try Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Easy Pecan Pie Bars are a game-changer for dessert lovers. They deliver the nostalgic taste of pecan pie in a convenient, fuss-free format. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just satisfying a craving, these bars are guaranteed to impress.

Print