Irresistible Pecan Pie Bars Recipe – Perfect for the Holidays!

For those who love pecan pie but want an easier, shareable option, these Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect treat. They feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, caramel-like pecan filling, giving you all the flavors of a classic pecan pie without the need for slicing or serving plates. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any time you crave a sweet, nutty dessert, these bars are as delicious as they are convenient.

With each bite, you’ll enjoy a balance of buttery shortbread, gooey filling, and crunchy pecans. These bars are easy to make, bake, and cut into squares, making them ideal for feeding a crowd. And they’re just as decadent as a slice of pie, with caramelized, nutty flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 3/4 cups
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Cold unsalted butter	3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks), cubed
Large eggs	3, room temperature
Brown sugar	1 1/2 cups, packed
Light corn syrup	1 cup
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Chopped pecans	2 cups

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Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a flat, even crust.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Pecan Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
2. Fold in the chopped pecans, stirring until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the pecan filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the crust completely.
2. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly around the edges. The center should jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.
3. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Cut the bars into squares for easy serving. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.
2. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed, and enjoy!

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Tips and Variations

• Using Dark Corn Syrup: For a richer flavor, you can substitute dark corn syrup for light corn syrup. Dark corn syrup will give a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the filling.
• Adding Chocolate Chips: For a fun twist, add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the pecan filling. The chocolate pairs beautifully with the caramelized pecan flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free baking mix to make this dessert gluten-free.
• Toasted Pecans: For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the filling.

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Serving Suggestions

Pecan Pie Bars are delicious on their own, but they can be served with a few complementary additions. Try serving each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to add an extra touch of decadence. For a warm, comforting touch, serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

If you’re serving these bars at a holiday event or gathering, arrange them on a decorative platter and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive look. A little dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the nutty, caramel flavors in each bar, adding a touch of seasonal warmth.

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Pairings

These Pecan Pie Bars pair well with rich, warming drinks that enhance their sweet and nutty flavors. A hot cup of coffee or espresso provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bars, making each bite more balanced. For a special treat, try pairing these bars with a latte or cappuccino topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

For wine lovers, a glass of Tawny Port or a slightly sweet Riesling complements the caramel and pecan flavors beautifully. Both wines have a natural sweetness that brings out the richness in the pecan filling without overwhelming the palate. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, hot apple cider or a chai tea latte works well with the warm, spiced flavors of the bars.

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Storage and Reheating

To store Pecan Pie Bars, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you need to store them longer, freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

To serve frozen bars, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. These bars are best served at room temperature, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer a gooier filling.

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Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 16 bars):

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 3g
• Allergens: Contains dairy, nuts, and gluten.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, offering all the gooey, nutty flavors in a convenient bar form. They’re easy to make, easy to share, and sure to satisfy anyone who loves caramel and pecan flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion where you want a touch of Southern comfort, these bars are a sweet, crowd-pleasing dessert. Try them out this season, and be sure to share your feedback or any creative variations in the comments below!

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