Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious and convenient twist on the classic pecan pie. These bars feature a buttery crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling, making them perfect for holidays, gatherings, or as a sweet treat any time of year. They are easy to make and can be cut into squares for easy serving.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup light corn syrup (or sugar-free alternative for a lower-carb version)
• 1 cup brown sugar (or a low-carb sweetener)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecans (chopped)

Timing

Making Pecan Pie Bars takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press into Pan: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake 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 Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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 baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
3. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before cutting.

Step 5: Serve

1. Cut into Bars: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles.
2. Enjoy: Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Pecan Pie Bars (per bar, based on 16 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	3g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	30g
Sugar	18g

Tips for Customization

• Add Chocolate: For a chocolate twist, add chocolate chips to the filling.
• Use Different Nuts: Substitute or mix in other nuts like walnuts or almonds for varied flavors.
• Lower-Carb Option: Use a sugar substitute for the brown sugar and corn syrup for a lower-carb version.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure they are well-wrapped.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bars offer all the delicious flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient bar form. They are perfect for sharing and are sure to be a hit at any gathering!