Pecan Pie Bars

Table of Contents

1. Pecan Pie Bars Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Pecan Pie Bars
4. How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars
5. Storage
6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
7. MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
8. JUMP TO RECIPE

Pecan pie bars are like a delicious combination between a classic pecan pie and a cookie. A buttery shortbread crust is topped with a rich and gooey pecan pie filling to make an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. Great for Thanksgiving or any time of the year, this is a treat that will satisfy your craving without all the hard work.

If you like this delicious dessert, why not try more pecan pie inspired treats?! Enjoy Pecan Pie Cheesecake, Pecan Pie Balls, and Pecan Pie Bark.

Pecan Pie Bars Ingredients

You will need:

Shortbread Crust

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Pecan Pie Filling

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup Karo syrup
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups pecans, roughly chopped

Substitutions and Additions

KARO SYRUP: I used light Karo syrup and granulated sugar for these easy pecan pie bars, but you can just as easily use dark Karo syrup or brown sugar as replacements. Just remember that if you make this substitute, your filling will be darker than pictured, but that does not mean it is overcooked, and it will still taste just as good. 

MAPLE EXTRACT: You can use ½ teaspoon maple extract instead of vanilla extract if you want to make these delicious treats extra special. 

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

STEP ONE: Preheat oven to 350°F. In an 8×8 square pan place a piece of parchment paper that covers the bottom and up the sides of the pan. 

PRO TIP: The overhanging parchment paper allows you to easily pull the pecan pie bars out of the pan once they are cooled and transfer them to a cutting board when they are ready to slice.

STEP TWO: In the bowl of a food processor, or a medium bowl using a hand mixer, add the softened butter, flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Pulse together until the dough begins to come together. You should be able to squeeze the dough together and it will stay and not crumble.

PRO TIP: If you do not have a food processor, you can mix your pie crust ingredients in a large bowl using a handheld mixer at low speed. You will just mix all the ingredients until they are combined, and you can squeeze the dough together with your fingers, and it stays compact.

STEP THREE: Press the dough into an even layer in the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes.

STEP FOUR: Make your pecan filling by adding ¼ cup butter, granulated sugar, Karo syrup, and maple syrup to a small saucepan. Cook on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved and it is a light golden color. Turn off the heat and whisk in the salt and flour until no lumps remain.

STEP FIVE: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla, then very slowly pour the warm sugar mixture into the eggs while continuing to whisk constantly. Whisk until your filling is completely combined.  

PRO TIP: You want to really make sure you go slow with pouring the warm sugar into the eggs so that the heat does not scramble your eggs.

STEP SIX: Add your chopped pecans to the filling mixture and stir. Gently pour the pecan mixture on top of the hot crust once it comes out of the oven.

STEP SEVEN: Return the pan to the oven and continue to bake your pecan pie bars for an additional 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden and the center has set.

PRO TIP: Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your pecan bars at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

STEP EIGHT: Cool your pecan pie bars on the counter until they are room temperature. If you try to cut your bars before they are completely cool then the filling may run and not be set up.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars

If you are a fan of pecan pie, these amazing gooey pecan pie bars will hit the spot every time. No need to save pecan pie just for the holidays! Turning this favorite dessert into bars makes it an easy recipe that you can enjoy all year long. Pecan pie bars are also easy to transport, making them perfect to take to potlucks and get-togethers. To make this an even more decadent treat, serve your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle chocolate over the top.

Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: Once cooled, you can pop these delicious bars in the fridge and keep them there for 3 to 4 days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze these pecan bars for up to three months. Once they are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container and freeze them. To defrost, thaw overnight, and make sure they are at room temperature before serving.

Pecan pie bars are a classic Southern recipe in bar form. Deliciously flavored, this recipe is special enough to serve to guests, but also easy enough to make for a quiet night at home. Since all you need to do is slice and serve these tasty and simple pecan pie squares, you will likely find yourself making this recipe all through fall and beyond. An easy, crowd-pleasing, dessert, make the best pecan pie bars with this simple recipe.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use a different crust than the shortbread crust? 

This pecan bar recipe would also be delicious with a graham cracker crust if you prefer.

How do I store pecan pie bars? 

These delicious pecan pie bars can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.

What is Karo syrup? 

Karo syrup is a brand of corn syrup that does not contain any high-fructose corn syrup.

MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Five Star Bars
• Peanut Butter Dream Bars
• Pecan Pie Cheesecake
• Coconut Cream Bars