Description
These Ultimate Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling, delivering all the flavor of traditional pecan pie in an easy-to-serve bar form. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any special occasion, these bars are sweet, nutty, and irresistibly buttery — a true Southern-inspired classic made simple.
Ingredients
For the Buttery Foundation:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
For the Luscious Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup light or dark corn syrup
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups pecans, roughly chopped
- Flaky sea salt, optional for finishing
Smart Substitutions: Replace corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, use coconut oil for dairy-free, or a gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly bars. Any nut variation like cashews, walnuts, or almonds can substitute pecans.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: Combine flour, butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Press evenly into the pan for a uniform base.
- Parbake: Bake crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. This step ensures no soggy bottom crust.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and lump-free.
- Add Pecans: Fold in chopped pecans evenly, reserving a few halves to decorate the top if desired.
- Assemble: Pour the pecan mixture over the warm crust and spread evenly.
- Bake: Return to oven and bake 30–35 minutes until the center is just set but slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Slice: Cool completely, refrigerate for 1 hour for easier slicing, then cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months. Always allow bars to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/24 of recipe)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pecan pie bars, holiday dessert, southern baking, easy pie bars, pecan recipes