Pecan Pie Bars

These delightful Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for any gathering, bringing the rich flavors of a classic pecan pie in a convenient bar form. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy fall afternoon, these treats are sure to impress. With their buttery shortbread crust and luscious filling, they strike the ideal balance between sweet and nutty, making them a must-try for dessert lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these bars are great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and pecans creates a deliciously rich filling that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Versatile Texture: Enjoy them warm with ice cream or at room temperature as a snack.
• Make Ahead: These bars store well, allowing you to prepare them in advance for busy occasions.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Pecan Pie Bars, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining your ingredients without spills.
• Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan allows for even baking and helps achieve that perfect bar shape.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• ½ cup salted butter
• 1 cup flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Filling

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed) (190 grams)
• ½ cup dark corn syrup (165 grams)
• ¼ cup salted butter (melted) (56 grams)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups pecans (whole or chopped according to your preference)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your Pecan Pie Bars bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of salted butter, 1 cup of flour, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar.
2. Mix until crumbly.
3. Press this mixture into the bottom of your greased baking pan evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.

Step 4: Make the Filling

1. In another mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of dark corn syrup until smooth.
2. Add in ¼ cup melted salted butter, followed by 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk until well combined.
3. Fold in 2 cups of pecans gently into the mixture.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust.
2. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until set.
3. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Enjoy your homemade Pecan Pie Bars, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars

Serving Pecan Pie Bars is a delightful experience. These bars are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich flavors of the bars.

À La Mode

• Serve warm Pecan Pie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a comforting dessert that melts in your mouth.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds an elegant touch.

With a Side of Fresh Fruit

• Pair these bars with seasonal fruits like berries or sliced apples for a refreshing balance.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include Pecan Pie Bars in a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies and cookies for variety.

How to Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

Perfecting your Pecan Pie Bars can elevate this treat even further. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right.

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps in creating a smoother filling, leading to better texture.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the shortbread crust before baking can prevent it from becoming too crumbly.
• Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while baking; they should be set but still slightly soft in the center.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Cooling allows the filling to set properly, making cutting easier and cleaner.

Best Side Dishes for Pecan Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with Pecan Pie Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement the rich flavors of these bars.

1. Coffee
   A warm cup of coffee balances sweetness and provides a cozy pairing for dessert.
2. Hot Chocolate
   Rich hot chocolate offers a delightful contrast and is especially comforting during colder months.
3. Spiced Apple Cider
   The warm spices in apple cider compliment the flavors of pecan, creating a festive drink option.
4. Cheese Plate
   Pair with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an interesting savory-sweet combination.
5. Pumpkin Soup
   A small serving of creamy pumpkin soup can serve as a savory start before indulging in dessert.
6. Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
   A light salad with citrus notes refreshes the palate after enjoying decadent bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pecan Pie Bars, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can result in a tough crust. Always use softened butter for a flaky, tender shortbread base.
• Skipping the pecan chopping: Whole pecans can make it hard to cut the bars evenly. Consider chopping them for better distribution and easier serving.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: In baking, precise measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy and avoid packing down brown sugar.
• Overbaking the bars: Overbaking can lead to dry Pecan Pie Bars. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking and remove them when the filling is just set.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into warm bars can lead to a messy serving. Allow your bars to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Pecan Pie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Pecan Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place one bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat and place the bar inside for a couple of minutes. This method will keep the crust crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make gluten-free Pecan Pie Bars?

You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This will help maintain the texture while catering to those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I add chocolate to my Pecan Pie Bars?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate on top can enhance the flavor and provide a delightful twist.

How should I serve Pecan Pie Bars?

These bars are delicious served cold or at room temperature. Consider pairing them with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

What if I don’t have dark corn syrup?

You can substitute dark corn syrup with light corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup, although this may slightly alter the flavor profile of your Pecan Pie Bars.

Final Thoughts

Pecan Pie Bars are not only rich and indulgent but also versatile enough to customize according to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as is or opt for variations like chocolate or different nuts, these bars are sure to impress during any holiday gathering. Try making this delightful treat today!

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Pecan Pie Bars

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of Pecan Pie Bars, a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. These bars combine a golden shortbread crust with a luscious, sweet filling packed with crunchy pecans. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or cozy afternoons, they offer the same beloved flavors of a traditional pecan pie in an easy-to-share format. Whip them up effortlessly with just a handful of simple ingredients and enjoy them warm or at room temperature. Whether topped with ice cream or served alongside fresh fruit, these Pecan Pie Bars are sure to impress all dessert lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup salted butter
• 1 cup flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup dark corn syrup
• ¼ cup salted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups pecans (whole or chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. For the crust: In a bowl, mix softened butter, flour, and sugar until crumbly. Press into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. Bake crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
4. For the filling: In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt; mix well. Fold in pecans.
5. Pour filling over baked crust and return to oven for another 30 minutes until set.
6. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg