Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Simple Pecan Pie Bars featuring a buttery pecan shortbread crust topped with a rich, sticky pecan pie filling. These bars offer a perfect blend of sweet, nutty flavors ideal for dessert or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
For the filling:
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups light or dark corn syrup
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking as soon as your crust and filling are assembled.
- Prepare the Pecan Shortbread Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white sugar, salt, and finely chopped pecans. Cut in the room temperature butter until the mixture reaches a wet sand texture. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing slightly up the edges to form a crust. Bake for 18-22 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together brown sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined. Gradually stir in corn syrup and maple syrup. Fold in chopped pecans. Using a blend of light and dark corn syrup adds depth of flavor.
- Assemble and Bake the Bars: Pour the prepared filling over the hot crust, spreading evenly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a knife inserted an inch from the edge comes out clean. The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool, Chill, and Slice: Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes for easier slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
Notes
- Room temperature butter makes it easier to cut into the dry ingredients, helping create a crumbly texture.
- Using a combination of light and dark corn syrup enhances the richness and depth of the filling.
- Chilling the bars after baking helps the filling set fully and ensures clean, neat slices.
- Pressing the crust slightly up the edges of the dish creates a nice border that holds the filling well.
- For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife blade between slices to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 23 minutes
- Cook Time: 47 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pecan Pie Bars, Pecan Dessert, Shortbread Crust, Holiday Dessert, Easy Pecan Bars, Sweet Nutty Bars, Maple Syrup Dessert
