If you love the rich, caramelized flavor of classic pecan pie, but want an easier, handheld version, these Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect treat! With a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, gooey pecan filling, this recipe captures all the flavors of traditional pecan pie—without the hassle of rolling out pie dough.
Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just because, these bars are easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars
✔️ No Pie Crust Needed – The buttery shortbread base is super easy to make!
✔️ Perfect Texture – A crispy crust with a gooey, caramel-like pecan topping.
✔️ Great for Sharing – A crowd-pleaser that’s easier to cut and serve than pie.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – These bars store well and even freeze beautifully!
Ingredients (Makes 16 Bars)
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 180g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 60g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 115g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Pecan Pie Filling:
- 150g (¾ cup) light brown sugar, packed
- 120ml (½ cup) light corn syrup (or maple syrup for a natural alternative)
- 2 large eggs
- 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 200g (2 cups) pecans, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 20cm (8-inch) square pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to form an even layer.
- Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Filling
- In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
- Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked shortbread crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm in the center.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Approximate)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 17g
- Sugar: 20g
Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars
✔️ Use Fresh Pecans – Fresh, high-quality pecans make a huge difference in flavor.
✔️ Don’t Overbake – The filling should be set but still have a slight jiggle.
✔️ Cool Completely – This helps the bars firm up and makes slicing easier.
✔️ For a Deeper Flavor – Try adding a splash of bourbon or maple syrup!
Storage & Freezing Instructions
???? Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
❄️ Freeze: Wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
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