Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Perfect Pecan Pie Bars Recipe | Easy Shortbread Crust | Better Than Pie!


  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Description

These Perfect Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the classic Southern flavors of buttery crust and gooey pecan filling in an easy-to-make, easy-to-serve bar format — ideal for holidays, potlucks, or everyday dessert cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 12 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans (about 14 oz)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 12 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly coat with non-stick spray.
  2. In a food processor, pulse flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
  3. Press crust mixture evenly into pan and bake for 18–20 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
  4. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, cream, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for exactly 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and chopped pecans.
  5. Pour filling over warm crust and spread evenly. Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden with a slight jiggle in the center.
  6. Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Lift using parchment and cut into 2-inch bars with a sharp knife.

Notes

Store at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For freezing, wrap individually and store up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight before serving.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan dessert, southern recipe, holiday dessert, buttery crust