Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
These Simple Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling for a delicious twist on classic pecan pie. Perfectly sweet and packed with toasted pecans, they make an ideal dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare in just over an hour.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Make the crust mixture: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Press and bake the crust: Evenly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove from oven but keep the oven on for the filling.
- Prepare the filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until smooth and fully combined.
- Add pecans: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture evenly to distribute the nuts throughout.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the pecan filling over the hot baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake until set: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling’s center is set and doesn’t jiggle when moved.
- Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow them to firm up. For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for at least one hour before cutting.
- Serve: Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the crust to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Make sure the crust is hot when pouring the filling to help the layers bind better.
- Refrigerating before cutting helps to get neat bars that hold together well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast pecans before chopping.
Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan bars, easy pecan dessert, holiday dessert, nut bars, baked bars