Pecan pie is a classic dessert often enjoyed during the holidays. It has a rich, sweet flavor and a satisfying crunch that makes it hard to resist. Pecan Pie Bars take that beloved taste and transform it into an easy-to-serve form. These bars are perfect for gatherings, providing all the deliciousness of a traditional pecan pie without the fuss. They are also great for those who want to share a treat but may not have the time or space for a full pie. With a buttery crust and a sweet, gooey pecan topping, these bars are a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table. Plus, they can be baked ahead of time, ensuring you have a sweet treat ready to go when guests arrive.
Why make this recipe
Pecan Pie Bars are an excellent choice for anyone looking to blend effortless preparation with comforting flavors. First off, they are simple to make, allowing even novice bakers to enjoy success in the kitchen. The process generally takes less time than baking a full pie, making it a perfect shortcut during busy holiday moments.
Additionally, these bars offer versatility. Unlike a traditional pie slice, everyone can enjoy a piece of bar easily. They can be cut into perfect squares, making serving easy at family gatherings or parties. Each bite captures the essence of pecan pie—rich, sweet, and nutty.
Finally, these bars can be made ahead of time, making planning for events less stressful. You can whip them up a day or two in advance and store them until you’re ready to serve. This makes them not only a tasty treat but a practical choice for anyone juggling holiday preparations.
How to make Pecan Pie Bars
Making Pecan Pie Bars involves just a few simple steps. First, gather your ingredients: for the crust, you need flour, butter, sugar, and salt. For the filling, you’ll need corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and, of course, pecans.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare a baking dish by greasing it. Combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl to create the crust. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish and bake it for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Then fold in the chopped pecans. Once the crust is done, carefully pour the filling over it. Bake the entire dish for another 25–30 minutes until the filling is set.
After baking, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares. These easy steps ensure you create delicious Pecan Pie Bars that everyone will love.
How to serve Pecan Pie Bars
Serving Pecan Pie Bars is incredibly simple and will impress your guests. Once the bars have cooled and you’ve cut them into squares, you can arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation.
Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. This combination contrasts the bar’s crunchy texture perfectly and elevates the serving experience.
For added flair, sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top just before serving. This touch enhances the overall flavor and gives a restaurant-style touch to your homemade dessert.
If you want to create a festive atmosphere, you can serve the bars with a warm drink like spiced cider or hot chocolate. The warmth of these drinks pairs well with the rich and buttery flavors of the Pecan Pie Bars, making it a delightful holiday treat.
How to store Pecan Pie Bars
Storing Pecan Pie Bars is easy, allowing you to enjoy them over multiple days. Once the bars have completely cooled, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate them, where they will last up to a week.
If you anticipate needing them for an even longer time, consider freezing the bars. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit out for a couple of hours at room temperature.
Keep in mind that the topping might lose some of its crunch after freezing. To refresh the texture, you can reheat the bars in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Tips to make Pecan Pie Bars
Here are some handy tips to elevate your Pecan Pie Bars. First, make sure to use fresh pecans that are evenly chopped. Chopping them too finely can lead to a soggy texture, so aim for medium-sized pieces for that delightful crunch.
Second, don’t skip on cooling time! Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing. This not only helps them firm up but also prevents the filling from becoming runny when you cut them.
Additionally, consider adding a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the filling for a unique flavor twist. This can elevate the natural sweetness and give a layer of complexity to your bars.
Lastly, if you want a little more texture, feel free to add some dark chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the top once they are cool. This adds a delicious contrast to the sweet pecans.
Variation
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are several variations you can try for these bars. For a chocolatey twist, add half a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the pecan filling. This change combines the richness of chocolate with the nuttiness of pecans, creating a delightful treat.
Another variation is to use different nuts. Substitute some of the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a diverse taste experience. Each nut offers a unique flavor and can change the profile of the bars significantly.
You can also make a pumpkin variation by mixing in some pumpkin puree with the filling for a seasonal twist that adds a warm, spiced flavor perfect for fall and Thanksgiving.
FAQs
1. Can I use different nuts?
Yes! You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The filling should be set and no longer jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Pecan Pie Bars up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container.
4. Can these be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well before placing them in the freezer.
5. What can I serve with Pecan Pie Bars?
They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a warm drink like hot chocolate or spiced cider.
Pecan Pie Bars
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Pecan Pie Bars with a buttery crust and sweet, gooey pecan topping, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish.
- Combine the flour, butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl to create the crust. Press into the bottom of the dish and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for another 25-30 minutes until set.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
Try adding a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the filling for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Pecan Pie, Bars, Dessert, Holiday, Baking
