Pecan Pie Bars are a delectable twist on the classic pecan pie, offering all the rich, buttery, and nutty flavors of the traditional dessert in a convenient, handheld form. These bars feature a tender, buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey, sweet pecan filling that’s packed with crunchy pecans and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you crave something sweet and satisfying, Pecan Pie Bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether served on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser with their irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Pecan Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Make the Pecan Filling:
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pecan filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars and serve.
Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that captures all the flavors of a classic pecan pie in a convenient bar form. With their buttery crust and rich, nutty filling, these bars are perfect for any occasion where you want to enjoy the taste of pecan pie without the fuss.
