Buttery, gooey, and packed with crunchy pecans, these Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the classic pecan pie flavors with half the effort! A quick, irresistible treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Craving pecan pie but don’t want the hassle of rolling out a crust? These Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution! With a buttery shortbread base and a gooey, caramelized pecan filling, they bring all the comforting flavors of traditional pecan pie with minimal effort.
- Easy to Make: No pie crust required, just a simple shortbread base.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A great make-ahead dessert for holidays and potlucks.
- Rich & Buttery: The combination of the crisp crust and gooey pecan filling is irresistible.
- Customizable: Add a dash of bourbon or chocolate chips for a unique twist.
- Mess-Free Serving: Bars are easier to slice and serve compared to a whole pie.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Pecan Filling:
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup light or dark corn syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well.
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and flour until well mixed.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the pecan filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish, approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 55–60 minutes
- Servings: 24 bars
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per bar
Variations
- Bourbon Pecan Bars: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the pecan filling for extra depth of flavor.
- Chocolate Pecan Bars: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Coconut Pecan Bars: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the pecan filling before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Maple Pecan Bars: Swap the corn syrup for pure maple syrup for a richer taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans for a different flavor.
What can I use instead of corn syrup?
Maple syrup or honey can be used as a substitute, though the texture may vary slightly.
Why did my bars turn out too soft?
Make sure the filling is set before removing from the oven. It should jiggle slightly but not be liquid.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
How do I cut the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Yes! Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate-pecan variation.
How can I make these dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
Should I toast the pecans before using them?
Toasting pecans before adding them enhances their flavor and crunchiness.
What’s the best way to serve these bars?
They’re delicious on their own, but you can serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Can I halve this recipe?
Yes! Simply halve the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch dish.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate fuss-free way to enjoy the rich, caramelized flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you crave a sweet, nutty treat. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a slice of Southern-inspired goodness with minimal effort!
Print
Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars – Buttery, gooey, and loaded with crunchy pecans! All the classic pecan pie flavors in an easy, irresistible bar.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Pecan Filling:
¾ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup light or dark corn syrup
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well.
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and flour until well mixed.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the pecan filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish, approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pecan Pie Bars Recipe