Pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie with the ease of bars. These treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday gathering, a casual family dinner, or simply a sweet snack with your afternoon coffee. The buttery crust paired with a luscious filling makes them irresistibly scrumptious and a sure crowd-pleaser!
Why you’ll love this dish
Imagine serving a dessert that combines the comforting flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-eat bar format. Pecan pie bars are not only delicious but also remarkably simple to make. They are budget-friendly, requiring only a handful of pantry staples, and come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for weeknight desserts or last-minute gatherings. Kids love them, and adults can’t resist the sweet, crunchy pecans that truly shine in every bite.
"These pecan pie bars are a game changer! Easy to cut and perfect for sharing, they taste just like the classic while taking a fraction of the time to prepare. They disappeared at our potluck!" — Sarah L.
The cooking process explained
Creating pecan pie bars is a straightforward journey to dessert bliss. In essence, you’ll start with a buttery crust that bakes until golden, then top it off with a rich filling packed with pecans. The key steps involve mixing, pressing, and baking, resulting in an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress. The whole process is fairly quick, taking only about an hour of active time, plus cooling time, which allows the bars to set perfectly.
What you’ll need
Gather these items to get started:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
You can easily substitute the unsalted butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option, and feel free to swap out the pecans for other nuts, like walnuts, if you prefer!
