Easy Pecan Pie Bars

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

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

For the Pecan Filling:

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and granulated sugar until a soft dough forms.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  4. Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  5. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  6. Stir in the chopped pecans.
  7. Pour the pecan filling over the warm baked crust.
  8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
  9. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
  10. Serve as is or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Method

These bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, gooey pecan pie filling. Baking the crust first ensures it stays crisp beneath the sweet, nutty topping. Once cooled, the filling firms up, making the bars easy to cut into neat squares.

Benefits

  • Rich in healthy fats from pecans.
  • Provides a satisfying dessert for holidays and gatherings.
  • Easy to prepare compared to a traditional pecan pie.
  • Great for making ahead and storing.
  • Delicious balance of buttery, crunchy, and caramel-like flavors.

Nutrition

Approximate per bar (based on 16 servings):

  • Calories: 280
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg

History

Pecan pie is a classic dessert of the Southern United States, where pecans are native. It became especially popular in the early 20th century and has long been a favorite during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Pecan pie bars were later developed as a convenient, handheld version that delivers the same rich flavor in an easy-to-serve format.

Conclusion

Easy Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious twist on the traditional pecan pie, featuring a buttery shortbread base and a sweet, crunchy pecan topping. They are simple to make, perfect for sharing, and an excellent choice for holiday tables, potlucks, or anytime you crave a classic Southern-inspired dessert.

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