These pecan pie bars feature a golden, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust topped with a rich, nutty, caramel-like pecan filling. Perfectly portable and easier to make than traditional pie, these bars are the ideal treat for holidays, gatherings, or any time you’re craving classic Southern comfort in a handheld square.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
For the Crust
-
2½ cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
-
¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted (170 g)
For the Topping
-
4 large eggs
-
1½ cups dark or light corn syrup (360 mL)
-
⅔ cup packed brown sugar (140 g)
-
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
⅓ cup all-purpose flour (40 g)
-
2 cups pecans, roughly chopped (240 g)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving overhangs on the sides for easy removal after baking.
Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and stir with a fork until coarse crumbs form. Use clean hands to gently knead the mixture until a soft dough forms—it will be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
Press and Bake the Crust
Transfer the crust dough into the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to press it evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges begin to turn light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the topping.
Prepare the Topping
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until fully beaten. Add the corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth and combined. Sift in the all-purpose flour and whisk again to fully incorporate. Stir in the roughly chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the pecan topping evenly over the warm crust. Use a spatula to gently spread the pecans so they are evenly layered. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the topping is set and slightly puffed. The center should look glossy but not jiggle when gently shaken.
Cool and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once fully cooled, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help the filling set for clean slicing. Use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Cut into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar, based on 24 bars)
-
Calories: 270 kcal
-
Protein: 3 g
-
Fat: 17 g
-
Carbohydrates: 29 g
-
Sugar: 20 g
-
Fiber: 1 g
-
Sodium: 105 mg
-
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Origins and Popularity
Pecan pie is a cherished tradition in American Southern cuisine, deeply rooted in regional history and often associated with holiday gatherings, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. These bars are a simplified adaptation that captures the same warm, nutty, buttery flavor in a more manageable form. Unlike traditional pie, pecan pie bars don’t require rolling dough or delicate slicing—making them a go-to for potlucks, bake sales, and casual entertaining.
Reasons to Love These Bars
There are few desserts that deliver such a perfect contrast between texture and taste. The base is a sweet, buttery shortbread that holds up well while offering a crumbly, tender bite. The topping is rich and gooey, with a layer of chopped pecans that toast beautifully during baking. They’re easy to portion, easy to transport, and utterly irresistible. Plus, they can be made ahead, making them a planner’s dream.
Health Benefits
While pecan pie bars are undoubtedly indulgent, they do offer a few redeeming qualities:
-
Pecans are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants that support heart health.
-
Eggs provide essential nutrients including protein, choline, and vitamin D.
-
Butter, when used in moderation, contributes to satiety and enhances flavor, reducing the need for artificial additives.
-
Homemade desserts allow you to control the ingredients—no preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup here.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
-
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or black tea for a cozy treat.
-
Serve at brunch with fresh fruit and yogurt to balance sweetness.
-
Add to a dessert buffet or cookie tray during holidays.
-
Drizzle melted chocolate on top before cutting for an upscale touch.
Cooking Tips
-
Don’t overbake the crust in the first stage—just lightly golden to prevent it from becoming too hard after the second bake.
-
Use room temperature eggs to ensure a smooth topping.
-
For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans for 5–7 minutes at 350°F before adding to the filling.
-
Chilling is key before slicing—this ensures neat, clean bars with no oozing.
-
For a twist, add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the filling for extra warmth and complexity.
Variations
-
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a fudgy twist.
-
Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Drizzle with caramel sauce and finish with flaky sea salt.
-
Mini Tartlets: Use a mini muffin pan to make bite-sized versions for parties.
-
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour in the crust and filling with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
-
Nut-Free Version: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or coconut flakes.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust deliver all the charm of classic pecan pie with the ease and convenience of a bar dessert. They’re sweet, gooey, nutty, and balanced by a perfectly tender crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special holiday gathering or simply want a make-ahead dessert that everyone will rave about, these bars hit the mark. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a permanent fixture in your dessert repertoire—so go ahead, bake a batch, and let the compliments roll in.
FAQ
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars store well and actually taste even better the next day. Keep them refrigerated and slice just before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
3. Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different—softer and more fluid. Use grade A maple syrup for best results.
4. Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts can be used in place of pecans.
5. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Chill the bars, use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean between cuts.
6. Do I need to use parchment paper?
It’s highly recommended for easy removal and clean slicing, but you can also use foil or just grease the pan well.
7. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce the brown sugar slightly if preferred, but keep the corn syrup for structure.
8. Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and topping to make the recipe gluten-free.
9. Can I make a dairy-free version?
Use dairy-free butter and ensure all other ingredients (like chocolate chips, if using) are dairy-free certified.
10. Can these be served warm?
Yes, they’re delicious warm with ice cream, but for clean slices, let them cool fully before cutting.