Irresistible Homemade Pecan Pie Bars for Every Occasion

Ready for all the wonderful flavors of pecan pie but don’t feel like rolling out dough? Enter Pecan Pie Bars! With a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet caramel-pecan filling, these bars are just the right combination of crunchy, gooey, and utterly irresistible. They bring together everything we love about the classic fall dessert in an easy, handheld form. Perfect for holiday tables or a weekend treat when you’re craving something indulgent!

If you’re ready for a dessert that screams cozy autumn afternoons, these pecan pie bars are calling your name!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: No pie dough needed here! The shortbread crust comes together with just a few simple ingredients.
• Perfect for sharing: Make them for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just because. They’re portable and always a hit!
• Classic flavor, with a twist: All the caramelized, buttery richness of pecan pie, transformed into something just as delicious but a little less fussy.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter: You’ll use it in both the crust and the filling. Make sure it’s unsalted to control the saltiness of the bars.
• Flour: The base for your shortbread crust—you probably already have it in your pantry!
• Brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like flavor, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the filling.
• Eggs: Essential for making the filling rich and custard-like.
• Pecans: The star of the show! I love using them toasted for extra depth of flavor.
• Corn syrup: Classic for pecan pies, this gives the filling that gooey texture we’re after.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Make the crust: In a bowl, combine butter, flour, and sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for about 15-18 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
3. Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Fold in your chopped pecans.
4. Assemble the bars: Once the crust is golden, pour the pecan filling over it. Spread evenly with a spatula to make sure all that nutty goodness is distributed.
5. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
6. Cool: Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing them into squares. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me—they’ll slice cleaner once cooled.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Tip for toasting pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor. You can do this by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, just until fragrant.
• Cutting clean bars: Use a sharp knife, and wipe it between cuts for picture-perfect squares.
• Storage hack: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—or freeze them for longer storage!

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

• Add chocolate: For a fun twist, sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips into the filling before baking. The chocolate adds an extra indulgence that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
• Try with walnuts: Not into pecans? Walnuts work equally well and give a slightly different flavor profile.
• Serving suggestion: These bars are rich on their own but if you’re feeling extra, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

FAQs

• Can I freeze them? Yes! You can freeze pecan pie bars for up to 3 months. Make sure they’re cooled completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container.
• How do I store leftovers? Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to extend their freshness to about 5 days.
• Can I make them ahead? Absolutely! You can make these a day or two ahead of serving. They actually taste wonderful the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld.

I can’t wait to hear how these pecan pie bars turn out in your kitchen! Let me know in the comments below or share your creations on Instagram with #TheKitchensAid.