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

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  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.