Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious twist on the classic pecan pie, offering all the rich, nutty flavors in a convenient bar form. With a buttery crust and a gooey, caramel-like filling packed with crunchy pecans, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet treat any time of year!

Ingredients List

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Timing

Preparing Pecan Pie Bars takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Press into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
3. Bake: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
2. Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour Filling: Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The filling may still be slightly jiggly but will firm up as it cools.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

1. Cool: Allow the pecan pie bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for an additional hour.
2. Slice: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and slice into squares or rectangles.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Pecan Pie Bars (per bar, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	3g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	27g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Nut Variations: You can substitute some of the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Addition: For a chocolate twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling mixture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store any leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of traditional pecan pie in a convenient and shareable form. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests!

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just store them covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of syrup?

You can substitute the corn syrup with maple syrup for a different flavor, though it may alter the texture slightly.

How do I know when the filling is set?

The filling should be set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.