The aroma of freshly baked pecan pie bars wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace. Imagine buttery crusts cradling a gooey, sweet filling, punctuated by crunchy pecans. These delightful treats are not just a dessert; theyβre an experience that can elevate any occasion.
Every bite is a symphony of flavors and texturesβsweet, nutty, and utterly satisfying. Whether enjoyed at family gatherings or cozy nights in with your favorite show, these pecan pie bars promise to become the star of your dessert repertoire.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pecan pie bars are easy to whip up with minimal fuss
- Their sweet and nutty flavor profile makes them irresistible
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown crust and glossy topping, theyβll impress anyone who lays eyes on them
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or just because you deserve a treat!
I remember the first time I made these pecan pie bars for my family. The look on their faces as they took that first bite was pricelessβthe kind of moment where you know youβve hit the dessert jackpot.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Unsalted Butter: Always go for unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness.
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Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that lovely gooey filling.
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Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
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All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our crust; measure accurately for best results.
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Pecans: Chopped pecans bring that signature crunch and nutty flavorβdonβt skimp on these!
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Eggs: They help bind everything together while adding richness.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the filling.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and flour until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes until itβs lightly golden. The smell will have you dreaming of sweet goodness already!
Prepare the Filling: While the crust cools, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in another bowl. Embrace that sweet aroma as you mix!
Add Pecans to Filling: Fold chopped pecans into your filling mixture. This is where the magic happensβthose little nuggets will make every bite divine!
Combine Layers and Bake Again: Pour the filling over your baked crust evenly. Return to the oven for another 25-30 minutes until set and slightly puffed up.
Cool Down Before Serving: Let your pecan pie bars cool completely before slicing into squares. This might be the hardest partβtrust me; patience is key here!
Now youβre ready to enjoy your homemade pecan pie bars! Serve them at room temperature or slightly warmed with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgence.
You Must Know
- These pecan pie bars are an irresistible treat, combining rich flavors and a delightful crunch
- Their sweet aroma fills the kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in
- Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, theyβre a dessert that never disappoints
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F. Prepare the crust first, then mix the filling while it bakes. This sequence ensures everything comes together smoothly without wasting time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips for a twist. Adding a pinch of sea salt can enhance all those sweet flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Reheat them gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you enjoy them warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect texture, make sure your butter is softened but not melted
- Avoid overbaking; you want that gooey center!
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling
Sharing these pecan pie bars with friends led to laughter-filled evenings and requests for the recipe, proving how simple ingredients can create cherished memories.
FAQ
Can I use other nuts in this pecan pie bars recipe?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes for pecans in this recipe.
How do I know when my pecan pie bars are done baking?
The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly when you remove them from the oven.
Can I freeze these pecan pie bars?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for future enjoyment.
Pecan Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 16 1x
Description
Experience the delightful fusion of sweet and nutty flavors with these pecan pie bars. With a buttery crust and a gooey filling studded with crunchy pecans, each bite is a warm embrace that elevates any occasion. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, these treats are sure to become a favorite dessert in your repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 Β½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and flour until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Bake crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Whisk together eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in another bowl.
- Fold in chopped pecans and mix well.
- Pour filling over baked crust evenly and return to oven for an additional 25-30 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added flavor, swap pecans with walnuts or include chocolate chips. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.



