If you’ve ever craved the comfort of classic pecan pie but wished it came in a more shareable, crowd-friendly form, these Pecan Pie Bars are your new go-to treat. Imagine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust with a gooey, nutty topping that’s packed with sweet pecans—each bite is sheer bliss and absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want to wow a group without the fuss of making an entire pie. Let’s dive into all the reasons these Pecan Pie Bars deserve a spot in your baking repertoire!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Pecan Pie Bars is delightfully simple, and every ingredient here plays a key role in creating that familiar, nostalgic flavor and texture we all love. High-quality butter, real vanilla, and those beautiful pecans make all the difference—let’s break down what you’ll need and why.

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your crust, providing structure and a tender bite.
Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the base, ensuring the crust is never bland.
Unsalted butter, softened: Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth, crumbly shortbread texture; using unsalted gives you control over the final flavor.
Large eggs: The binding agent for the luscious, custardy pecan topping—don’t skip these!
Light corn syrup: This ensures your filling is gooey and sets perfectly, mimicking that classic pecan pie texture.
Packed light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with pecans.
Unsalted butter, melted: Makes the filling extra rich and helps meld all those flavors.
Pure vanilla extract: A little bit goes a long way in enhancing the aroma and depth of the bars.
Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and intensifies the nutty flavor.
Chopped pecans: The star of the show—use fresh, quality pecans for the best texture and flavor.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it well, then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This parchment “sling” is your secret to releasing the bars from the pan with zero frustration—trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to lift and slice!

Step 2: Mix the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine your all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Add the softened butter and work it in using a pastry cutter or a good old-fashioned fork, mixing until you see coarse, clumpy crumbs forming. This is the magic foundation for your Pecan Pie Bars, so be sure it’s well mixed but avoid overworking.

Step 3: Parbake the Crust

Next, press that crust mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden—think perfectly toasted shortbread. This helps create a sturdy base so your bars slice up cleanly later.

Step 4: Mix the Pecan Filling

While the crust is baking, whip together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and that little pinch of salt in a large bowl. Whisk it until everything’s nice and smooth, then stir in your chopped pecans. You’ll see the pecans getting coated in all that sweet, sticky filling—it’s a beautiful sight!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pecan filling right over your hot, freshly-baked crust. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly to the edges. Slide it all back into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set and just a bit wobbly in the center—don’t overbake! Let the pan cool completely before moving on—it’s hard to wait, but so worth it.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once fully cooled, grab the parchment overhang and carefully lift the whole slab out of the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut into neat bars—you’ll get about two dozen perfectly portioned treats. The contrast between the crumbly base and gooey top is pure delight in every bite.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of freshly whipped cream takes Pecan Pie Bars from simple to spectacular. For a truly festive look, try a drizzle of melted chocolate or a scattering of extra toasted pecan halves on top before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream for an indulgent dessert platter. Fresh berries also make a refreshing, colorful complement, especially if you’re serving them after a hearty holiday meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Pecan Pie Bars on a tiered cake stand for parties, or wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for charming edible gifts. For a dessert buffet, arrange them with other bite-sized bars and cookies—watch them disappear first!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm or you plan to stretch them out for the week, the refrigerator extends their freshness to about 5 days—just let them come to room temperature for the best texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

If you love that just-baked warmth, pop an individual bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or give the whole batch a few minutes in a low 300°F oven. Just enough heat brings out the gooeyness of the filling and makes the buttery crust taste freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

You absolutely can! Dark corn syrup gives the filling a deeper, more robust caramel flavor and slightly darker color. It’s a lovely twist if you want a less traditional but still delicious taste.

Can I make Pecan Pie Bars gluten free?

Yes—swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have delicious bars everyone can enjoy.

How do I know when the filling is set?

The filling should appear glossy and just barely wobbly in the center when you gently jiggle the pan. It’ll firm up as it cools—avoid overbaking to keep the inside delightfully gooey!

Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?

Chopping the pecans helps them distribute more evenly throughout the bars, but you can absolutely use whole pecans on top for a prettier presentation. You can even mix in half chopped and half whole for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Do Pecan Pie Bars travel well?

They travel like a dream! Once cool and cut, arrange them in a single layer in a container or on a tray. They hold together perfectly, making them ideal for gifting, potlucks, picnics, or holiday gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If you love the soul-warming flavor of classic pecan pie but crave something easier to share and even easier to make, these Pecan Pie Bars will win you over at first bite. Make a batch and watch the gratitude (and requests for your recipe) pour in—it’s genuinely happiness baked into every square.

Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, nutty flavors of these delectable Pecan Pie Bars. With a buttery crust and a sweet pecan filling, these bars are a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the Crust: Combine flour and granulated sugar, then cut in the softened butter until crumbly. Press into the pan and bake for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: Whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in pecans.
Assemble and Bake: Pour filling over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until set.
Cool and Serve: Let cool in the pan, then cut into bars before serving.

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Delicious served plain or with whipped cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American