Name: Pecan Pie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-497043H16M10S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter room temperature; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup light corn syrup or maple syrup; 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar packed; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 4 egg yolks; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 pound pecans roasted and roughly chopped; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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When the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like indulging in delicious pecan pie bars. These delightful treats offer all the rich, nutty flavor of traditional pecan pie, but in a convenient, easy-to-serve format. Perfect for gatherings, these bars deliver a warm, comforting sweetness that is sure to please any crowd while capturing the essence of autumn in every bite.

Moreover, the combination of buttery crust and a gooey filling is simply irresistible. With a sprinkle of sea salt or chocolate chips, you can elevate these pecan delights even further. So, whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just satisfying a sweet tooth, pecan pie bars are the perfect dessert to share.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the rich, buttery flavor of traditional pecan pie with the convenience of a handheld treat. These bars are not only easy to make but also deliciously decadent, featuring a crisp crust topped with a gooey, sweet pecan filling that will tantalize your taste buds.

What sets these bars apart is their versatility; they can be served warm or chilled, making them suitable for any season. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, these treats will impress. Plus, if you love pecans, you might also enjoy my Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal, which delivers all the delightful flavors of pecan pie in a hearty breakfast option.

Incorporating nuts not only enhances the flavor but also provides a satisfying crunch. With their delightful mix of textures and flavors, Pecan Pie Bars are destined to become your new favorite dessert!

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars:

Creating delicious pecan pie bars requires a selection of high-quality ingredients. For the crust, you’ll need:

1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the delectable topping, gather the following:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light corn syrup or maple syrup
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 pound pecans, roasted and roughly chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create rich and satisfying pecan pie bars. For those looking to explore alternative flavors, consider checking out this baked oatmeal recipe that incorporates the delightful taste of pecans. Whether for dessert or a special occasion, these bars are sure to impress!

How to Prepare Pecan Pie Bars:

Preparing delectable pecan pie bars starts with a buttery crust. Begin by creaming 1 1/4 cups of room temperature unsalted butter and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Next, mix in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, blending well. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, forming a soft dough. Press this dough into a greased baking pan and pre-bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

For the topping, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of light corn syrup, and 1 1/4 cups of packed light brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir until melted and combined. Then, whisk in 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 pound of roasted pecans, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this pecan filling over the crust and bake until golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. Finally, cool and cut into squares for a delightful treat. For an additional sweet variation, check out these amazing Pecan Maple Cookies with Maple Glaze. For a detailed recipe with tips, visit Sweet and Savory Meals. Enjoy your homemade pecan pie bars!

Tips for Perfecting Pecan Pie Bars:

To achieve the best pecan pie bars, focus on the crust. Start with cold butter for a flaky texture; it’s critical for the perfect base. Use a food processor to mix flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly, then press it firmly into the baking pan. Pre-baking the crust avoids sogginess, setting a solid foundation.

When it comes to the filling, ensure you use fresh pecans, roughly chopped for texture. A dash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor immensely. For a unique twist, consider drizzling warm pecan pie baked oatmeal on top for an additional flavor dimension. Adjust the sweetness by adding less sugar if your pecans are particularly sweet.

Always cool your bars completely before cutting them; this allows clean slices and better presentation. Enjoy these sweet treats at gatherings or as an everyday indulgence!

Storage Tips for Pecan Pie Bars:

To keep your delightful pecan pie bars fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. First, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to an airtight container. If you plan to enjoy them within a few days, keep them at room temperature; they will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for about a week. When storing in the fridge, separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

If you’re looking to save leftovers for a special occasion or want to prep in advance, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can retain their flavor for up to three months. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. For a delicious twist, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the experience. For a unique treat, check out my recipe for pecan pie baked oatmeal, which captures the essence of pecan pie in a breakfast-friendly format! Enjoy your tasty pecan pie bars at their best!

Serving Suggestions for Pecan Pie Bars:

These delightful pecan bars are perfect as a sweet snack or a fancy dessert. For an elevated experience, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with homemade caramel sauce. You might also enjoy pairing them with a cup of coffee. For another scrumptious treat, check out these Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal ideas that capture the essence of this beloved dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What are Pecan Pie Bars?

Pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie, offering the same rich flavors and textures in a handier form. They consist of a buttery crust topped with a gooey, sweet pecan filling that sets beautifully, making them perfect for dessert trays or holiday gatherings.

How do I store Pecan Pie Bars?

To store your pecan pie bars, allow them to cool completely, then cover them with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for about three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars?

Yes, these scrumptious bars freeze incredibly well. Just wrap them in wax paper, followed by plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Are there any variations of Pecan Pie Bars?

Absolutely! You can try adding chocolate chips for a decadent touch or mix in some maple syrup for a different flavor profile. For healthier options, you might consider a gluten-free crust, similar to the recipe found here.

What makes Pecan Pie Bars a great dessert?

Pecan pie bars deliver a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors that intrigue the palate. They are not only delicious but also easy to serve and share, which makes them a popular choice for parties or family gatherings.

How do I know when my Pecan Pie Bars are done baking?

Your bars are ready when the filling has set but slightly jiggles in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few sticky crumbs, indicating the filling is perfectly gooey.

Pecan Pie Bars

Author: pregmommy
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightfully sweet and nutty, these Pecan Pie Bars are an easy twist on a classic dessert, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/4 cups unsalted butter room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light corn syrup or maple syrup
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar packed
1/2 cup cornstarch
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 pound pecans roasted and roughly chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together 1 1/4 cups of room temperature unsalted butter and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
In another bowl, mix together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
Press the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.
In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of light corn syrup (or maple syrup) and 1 1/4 cups of packed light brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 4 egg yolks, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream until smooth.
Gradually mix the butter mixture into the egg mixture until well combined.
Fold in 1 pound of roasted and roughly chopped pecans, along with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Pour the pecan topping over the pre-baked crust and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until set.
Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars and serving.