If you love classic pecan pie, you’re going to adore these Rich and Buttery Pecan Pie Bars! With a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, gooey pecan topping, these bars capture all the best parts of pecan pie in an easy-to-make, easy-to-serve bar form. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging yourself, these pecan pie bars are rich, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. Let’s get started on this delicious recipe!
Rich and Buttery Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Pecan Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pecan filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness!
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
- Use Room Temperature Butter: For a soft, crumbly crust, make sure the butter is softened before mixing.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to make clean, even slices.
- Make Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day, so they’re perfect for making ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Serving Suggestions
These rich and buttery pecan pie bars are ideal for holiday dessert tables or as a sweet treat any time of year. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for sharing or indulging yourself!