Okay, picture this: I’m It’s Thanksgiving morning, the house smells like cinnamon and crisp autumn leaves, but you’re not sure what to do with it. Is there anything better than pumpkin pie? What are Pecan Pie Bars? What are some good variations on the classic pie? I love this little bar form. I swear, this recipe is dangerous because they are so good they never last long. I have been making them for years, and everyone always raves over them. Is it my most requested recipe?
What is pecan pie?
Think of Pecan Pie Bars as a deconstructed pecan pie, but way less fussy! Instead of wrestling with pie dough, you get the same sweet, gooey, pecan-packed filling. All nestled on top of a simple buttery shortbread crust. What are the best parts of pecan pie? Is it possible to make pie crust from scratch? How do you enjoy pecan pie without the work? What are the best little gems to make and eat?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me tell you why these pecan pie bars are a total winner. First, the flavor is out of this world! You’ve got the buttery, crumbly shortbread that melts in your mouth, then that intensely sweet and nutty pecan filling… it’s just pure comfort food bliss. And speaking of comfort, these are so incredibly easy to make. No complicated steps, no fancy equipment needed – just simple ingredients and a little bit of mixing. What I love most about this is that they’re incredibly budget-friendly, especially if you snag pecans on sale. Plus, you can easily customize them to your liking. Add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a boozy kick, or sprinkle in some chocolate chips for a chocolate pecan delight! They are so versatile, I have tried different nuts, extracts, and chocolate, and they always turn out. I love to make them for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just a simple weeknight dessert. They’re always a hit, and I guarantee you’ll be making them again and again!
How do you make pecan pie bars?
Quick Overview
How do I make pecan pie bars? How do you make a quick shortbread crust? Is it a good idea to bake pies until golden brown, and drizzle with glaze? What’s the best part? It all comes together in under an hour! Don’t worry, it seems overwhelming at first, but I promise that is easy. How easy it is to bake bread? What is the perfect dessert for a sweet tooth?
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust: What is the recipe
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for a slightly nuttier flavor. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes. How do I make a flaky crust? What is the right amount of sweetness? What are some of the other ingredients in ice water? Add just enough water to bring the dough together.
For the Pecan Pie Filling:
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar: This gives the filling that classic caramel-y flavor.
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
* 1/4 cup light corn syrup: Don’t skip this! It helps create that gooey texture.
* 2 large eggs: They bind the filling and give it structure.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that warm, comforting flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
* 1 1/2 cups pecan halves: I prefer using halves for a nice presentation, but chopped pecans work too.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: For that sweet, smooth finish.
* 2-3 tablespoons milk: Add just enough to reach your desired consistency.
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Optional, but it adds a lovely touch.
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. This step is important, or they will stick! Don’t forget to preheat, as that makes the pie heat evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. What is the importance of whisking?
Step 3: Cut in Butter
How do you cut butter in a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs? How do you make butter so that it doesn’t melt? It takes time to perfect the butter to crumble process.
Step 4: Add Water & Press into Pan
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. The dough should be evenly pressed into the bottom of the prepared pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. What is the best way to make pecan pie filling? I always do this step to ensure the crust is perfect.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling. Is it important to bake the crust first? Plus, it is delicious and the baking process makes it nice and crumbly!
Step 6: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt for the filling until smooth. Stir in the pecan halves. Make sure you mix well, so that it is all well combined.
Step 7: Pour & Bake
Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. You can stick a toothpick in to make sure it comes out clean to know that it is baked thoroughly.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and let it set before slicing. The glaze is important, as it adds the final sweetness and completes the bars.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Can you serve the bars warm or cold? My family loves them cold. I like to keep them in the fridge. Is it healthy to eat them after a long day?
What should I serve it with?
These Pecan Pie Bars are great on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of treats. What are some ideas?
For Breakfast:What’s a good start to the day? I love the contrast of the rich bars with a spicy chai. They are also delicious with fruit. My family likes to serve them with a fruit salad.
For Brunch: Serve them alongside a platter of fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mimosas for an elegant brunch spread. I think they are great at brunch as an option instead of pie. Plus, everyone will be amazed by how amazing they are.
As Dessert:What are some good side dishes to serve after dinner? What are some of the best and most delicious desserts? Can you serve these with other desserts?
For Cozy Snacks:What is better than a hot chocolate and milk? I like to sneak a bar in when watching TV.
My family has a tradition of bringing these to our Thanksgiving dinner every year, and they’re delicious. Is the first thing to disappear? I also love to serve them at potlucks, because they’re easy to transport and always a hit. For a truly indulgent experience, try warming them up slightly and topping them with whipped cream. Salted caramel ice cream. Is it life changing?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pecan Pie Bars
How do you take pecan pie to the next level? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?
Cold Butter is the key to a healthy diet.Make sure your butter is very cold when making the shortbread crust. This will create a flaky, tender crust. I have had problems in the past with not having cold butter and my crust would not turn out. I know that it is important to have cold butter.
Don’t overmix the crust: Do not over Overmixing the shortbread dough will result in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together. This is a tip for many baking recipes, so make sure to follow it.
Toast the Pecans: What areHow do you toast pecans before adding them to filling? How do you add a pie bar to your recipe? Can you add different types of nuts as well?
What are some high quality ingredients?What are some of the best butter and vanilla extracts? What is the flavor of pecan pie bars? I love using vanilla extract, and I think it is essential for a lot of these types of pie bar. I like using it for my cookies.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the bars will result in a dry, crumbly filling. Bake just until the filling is set and golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the filling. If it comes out clean, the bars are done.
Let Them Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This will prevent them from crumbling and make them easier to cut. I like to let them sit out for an hour before putting them in the fridge.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These pecan pie bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This is a good way to make sure they do not get cold. These are great to serve at a potluck, since they can be stored at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are delicious when cold. I actually prefer them cold!
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. I usually only keep them in the freezer for up to a month.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the bars, it’s best to glaze them just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a little slice of happiness. From the buttery, crumbly crust to the sweet, nutty filling, every bite is pure comfort food bliss. And the best part? They’re so easy to make, even a novice baker can whip them up in no time. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further. These bars are always a crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll love them as much as my family does. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other dessert recipes for more sweet inspiration! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below to let me know if you made them and how they turned out!
Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
- 0.5 cups ice water
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans toasted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the crust by combining flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough comes together. Press into a baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir in pecans.
- Pour filling over the crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
