Description
Simple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars combine the crunch of pecans with the deep flavors of brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla, baked to golden perfection.
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 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans. Cut in 1 cup room temperature butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Sprinkle evenly across the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish, patting down to form an even crust and pressing slightly up the edges. Bake for 18-22 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together 2/3 cup packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add 4 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, whisking until combined. Gradually incorporate 1 1/4 cups corn syrup and 1/4 cup maple syrup. Finally, stir in 3 cups chopped pecans.
- Assemble and Bake the Bars: Pour the prepared pecan pie filling over the hot crust, spreading it evenly. Return to the 350° oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a knife inserted one inch from the edge comes out clean and the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool, Chill, and Slice: Remove the dish from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, then slice into squares using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
Notes
- Using a combination of light and dark corn syrup adds a deeper flavor to the filling.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy cutting into the flour mixture.
- For cleaner slices, refrigerate bars well before cutting and wipe knife between cuts.
- Press the crust slightly up the edges to contain the filling while baking.
- Check doneness with a knife; the filling should be just set but still slightly jiggly in the center for best texture.
- Prep Time: 23 minutes
- Cook Time: 47 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan bars, pecan dessert, shortbread crust, pecan pie filling, homemade pecan bars, easy dessert bars, holiday dessert
