Pecan Pie Bars

These scrumptious Pecan Pie Bars blend the essence of pecan pie with a delectably buttery shortbread foundation! The luxurious notes of maple syrup, thick cream, and pure vanilla extract within the gooey pecan filling harmonize flawlessly with the rich nuttiness of this simple yet delightful dessert.

Unlike the traditional pecan pie, these Pecan Pie Bars eliminate the need for mastering a flawless pie crust. Instead, these pecan squares encapsulate all the delightful flavors of the classic pecan pie within a convenient, buttery shortbread base.

With their nutty essence and buttery foundation, these Pecan Pie Bars are ideal for various occasions. Whether it’s a sweet treat for a bake sale, a potluck dessert, or a charming substitute for Christmas cookies at a cookie exchange, they are sure to please.

Why We Love This Pecan Pie Bar Recipe

The finest pecan pie bars boast the appearance and flavor of artisanal bakery creations, yet their preparation demands minimal effort, thanks to straightforward ingredients and a simple recipe.

Dessert bars are universally adored and their convenient size makes them perfect for serving at gatherings, rendering them a pragmatic and delightful choice for any occasion.

With their ability to maintain freshness and deliciousness for several days, these pecan bars are an excellent option for advance preparation, alleviating the stress of event or holiday planning.

What You’ll Need

Please refer to the recipe card below for the precise quantities of ingredients and detailed instructions.

• Salted Butter: Imparts a rich, buttery taste to both the crust and filling.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle hint of molasses flavor to both components.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the foundation of the crust, lending it structure and a tender consistency.
• Salt: Elevates the flavors of both the crust and filling.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Contributes natural sweetness and imparts a distinctive flavor to the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Provides creaminess and richness to the filling.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars.
• Eggs: Bind the filling together and contribute to its structural integrity.
• Pecans: The essential ingredient that delivers the characteristic nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Flaky Sea Salt (Optional): Sprinkling on top of the bars can elevate the taste and add a gourmet flair.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

Prepare the necessary equipment and chop the pecans. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with baking spray. Chop the pecans using a sharp knife and set them aside.

To make the crust dough, beat the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or an electric mixer until creamy and light, approximately 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl, then add the flour and salt. Mix on low or medium speed until just combined, resulting in a pie dough resembling coarse crumbs.

Bake the crust by pressing the crust mixture into an even layer in the prepared pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until it achieves a very light golden brown color. Once done, remove the partially baked crust from the oven as you proceed with preparing the filling.

Prepare the pecan filling by whisking together the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, vanilla, salt, and eggs in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Then, add the chopped pecans and stir until all ingredients are well mixed.

Pour the pecan filling onto the shortbread crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and ensure the pecans are distributed uniformly. If desired, add extra pecan halves on top.

Bake and allow to cool: Bake the bars for 20–25 minutes, removing them from the oven when the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. The bars will firm up as they cool.

Slice and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Serve immediately.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make Pecan Pie Bars nut-free?

To make a nut-free version, omit the pecans and use crushed pretzels instead. While this will alter the flavor profile slightly, it offers a delicious alternative for those with nut allergies who still crave a similar crunchy treat.

Can I use a different type of syrup instead of maple syrup?

Certainly, you have the option to substitute honey, agave syrup, or even light corn syrup for maple syrup. Each of these alternatives will impart a slightly different flavor to the bars, with some being stronger than others.

Can I make Pecan Pie Bars dairy-free?

Absolutely, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and utilize full-fat coconut milk as a substitute for heavy cream.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Transform Pecan Pie Bars into a gluten-free option by swapping out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed specifically for baking. Ensure the blend is suitable for a 1:1 substitution ratio.

How do I store Pecan Pie Bars?

To preserve freshness, store the bars in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. They can be kept on the counter for up to 4 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars?

To freeze, place the bars in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow the bars to come to room temperature by thawing them on the counter or overnight in the refrigerator.

Tips for Success

• Using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh pecans, pure maple syrup, and good-quality butter, will greatly enhance the flavor of your bars.
• Ensure accuracy in measurements using measuring cups and spoons, especially for ingredients like flour and sugar, as inconsistent measurements can impact both texture and flavor.
• Par-baking the crust until it turns lightly golden is essential for achieving a firm and crisp base before adding the filling.
• Spread the filling evenly over the crust to maintain a balanced ratio of crust to filling in each bar.
• Due to variations in oven temperatures, start checking the bars a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking, which can result in dry bars. Look for a slight jiggle in the center to indicate doneness.
• For perfectly cut bars with a clean texture, allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting. For even sharper cuts, refrigerate the bars before slicing.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the bars and clean the knife between cuts for neater and more professional-looking squares.

Keep an Eye on the Oven

Oven temperatures can differ, so begin checking the bars a few minutes before the recommended baking time.

Aim for the edges to be set while the center remains slightly wobbly.

Be cautious of overbaking as it can result in dry bars; watch for a slight jiggle in the center.

Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted butter with a pinch of salt can serve as a substitute for salted butter.
• Instead of maple syrup, you can use an equal amount of corn syrup, light corn syrup, dark corn syrup, agave syrup, or honey. Note that honey has a stronger flavor, so you may want to use a combination of half honey and half maple syrup or corn syrup.
• To make chocolate pecan pie bars, sprinkle 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips over the shortbread crust just before adding the pecan pie filling.
• Feel free to customize the recipe to your preference. You can add a hint of spice like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling, or top your bars with chocolate chips or a caramel drizzle for an extra indulgence!

See more: American Eats dishes