If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that brings together buttery richness, sweet caramel-like filling, and crunchy pecans in a delightful handheld treat, this Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine all the cozy flavors of classic pecan pie transformed into an easy-to-cut bar form—perfect for sharing at parties, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a slice of nutty heaven. These bars balance a tender, buttery crust with a luscious, gooey topping that’s packed with pecans, making every bite simply unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pecan Pie Bars Recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each element plays a vital role, from the flaky crust to the rich, nutty filling, ensuring your bars have the perfect texture and flavor every time.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and helps create a soft, crumbly crust texture.
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery flavors in the crust.
- 12 Tbsp unsalted butter (cold, diced): Essential for a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust that’s rich and flavorful.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the pecans perfectly.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and a smooth, sticky texture to the filling.
- 12 Tbsp unsalted butter: Used again in the filling for a rich, creamy consistency.
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream: Makes the filling luscious and velvety, helping it set just right.
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt: A touch of salt to enhance the depth of flavors in the filling.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aroma and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
- 3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans (14 oz): The star ingredient that delivers crunch and that unmistakable nutty punch.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then, cut in the cold, diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan to form an even crust. Baking this for about 15-20 minutes until golden sets the perfect foundation for your pecan bars.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the crust is baking, stir the brown sugar, honey, butter, heavy whipping cream, salt, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat gently until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth and combined. Remove from the heat and fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re all well coated with the luscious filling.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Once the crust is out of the oven, pour the pecan filling evenly over it. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the filling has set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. This ensures your bars stay gooey and chewy, just like classic pecan pie.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, or chill them briefly in the fridge for firmer bars. Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat slices that show off the layers beautifully.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a delicate finish or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream to provide a cool, creamy contrast to the sweet, nutty bars. A drizzle of caramel sauce is also an indulgent touch that pairs wonderfully with the pecan flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience, or pair them with a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. A cup of strong coffee or a rich black tea complements the sweet, buttery flavors perfectly, making every bite more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, present the bars on a rustic wooden board garnished with whole pecans and fresh sprigs of rosemary for an inviting touch. You can also stack them in a decorative tin with parchment paper layers to create a charming gift that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To maintain their freshness and prevent the bars from drying out, consider keeping them in the fridge if your kitchen is warm, where they’ll last up to a week.
Freezing
Pecan Pie Bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat any time you want a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or chilled bars, warm them slightly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through. This brings back their gooey texture and melts any chilled butter notes, making them taste as fresh as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making the crust from scratch?
While store-bought crusts can save time, the homemade crust in this Pecan Pie Bars Recipe offers a richer, butterier base that truly completes the bars’ texture and flavor. If pressed for time, you can try store-bought, but the fresh, flaky crust is definitely worth the effort.
What type of pecans works best for this recipe?
Fresh, coarsely chopped pecans are ideal as they provide the best crunch and flavor. Avoid pre-sweetened or salted pecans to keep full control over the sweetness and salt balance in your bars.
Can I substitute honey with maple syrup or corn syrup?
Absolutely! Maple syrup adds a lovely earthy sweetness that pairs well with pecans, while corn syrup maintains the classic sticky texture. Each brings a slightly different flavor twist, so feel free to experiment according to your taste preferences.
Are there any gluten-free variations for this Pecan Pie Bars Recipe?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, or add it separately. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but the bars will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the filling from becoming too runny?
Baking for the recommended time and ensuring the filling sets with a slight jiggle is key. If your filling is too runny, try baking for a few extra minutes or chilling the bars longer before slicing to allow the mixture to firm up properly.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is a treasure trove of buttery crust, sweet rich filling, and nutty crunch that will quickly become a favorite in your dessert lineup. Whether for holiday celebrations, casual get-togethers, or a cozy day at home, these bars offer all the goodness of pecan pie with less fuss and easier sharing. Don’t hesitate to give them a try—you’ll be rewarded with smiles and maybe even a few requests for seconds!
Print
Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 28 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pecan Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of a traditional pecan pie with the convenience of a bar form perfect for sharing. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling, these bars are a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 12 Tbsp unsalted butter (cold, diced)
Filling
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 12 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans (14 oz)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and sea salt. Add the cold, diced butter, and pulse or cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the filling and assemble: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the light brown sugar, honey, butter, heavy cream, and sea salt. Stir constantly and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Spread the chopped pecans evenly over the chilled crust, then pour the warm filling mixture over the pecans, spreading gently to cover them evenly. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and set.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set. Cut into 28 bars and serve.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the crust to achieve a flaky texture.
- Make sure to cool the bars completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the filling.
