Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 18 tbspunsalted butter
at room temperature
- ¾ clight brown sugar
packed
- 3 cking arthur unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ tsptable salt
- 2 cchopped pecans or pecan pieces
- 12tablespoons unsalted butter
170g
- ½ clight brown sugar
packed
- ⅓ choney
- 3 tbspheavy cream or milk
- 3 tbspgranulated sugar
- ½ tsptable salt
Directions
- 1
To make the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan, and line the pan with parchment paper for the easiest serving. Make sure the paper extends up and over the sides of the pan on two opposite sides, so you can use it as a sling to remove the pecan pie bars from the pan.
- 2
In a medium mixing bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the flat beater, beat the butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the flour and salt and continue beating until dough just starts to form and the mixture is somewhat crumbly.
- 3
Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared pan and shake gently to evenly distribute. Firmly press the crust mixture into an even layer with your hands. If the crust mixture becomes too warm and begins sticking to your hands, transfer the pan to the refrigerator to chill for 5 to 10 minutes, then continue pressing.
- 4
Prick the dough all over with a fork.
- 5
Bake the crust until lightly golden, 28 to 32 minutes. Remove it from the oven and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the crust.
- 6
To make the filling: Place all the remaining filling ingredients into a large pot or saucepan. Place the pan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring regularly, until the mixture is smooth and has started to boil, 2 to 3 minutes.
- 7
To assemble and bake: Pour the filling over the crust and pecans, letting it spread to the edges and corners of the pan.
- 8
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the filling is bubbling across the surface, 25 to 30 minutes.
- 9
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the pecan pie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out to cut and serve.
- 10
Storage information: Store any leftover pecan pie bars, well wrapped, at room temperature for several days; freeze for longer storage.
Easy Pecan Pie Bars
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About this Recipe
Craving the rich, nutty indulgence of pecan pie but need something a little quicker and easier for your holiday spread? These Easy Pecan Pie Bars are your perfect solution, delivering all the classic flavors without the fuss of a traditional pie.
Why These Pecan Pie Bars Work
What makes these bars truly special is their thoughtful design: they’re faster and simpler to make than a full pecan pie, yet they effortlessly serve a crowd. This makes them ideal for baking in advance, freeing up valuable time on busy occasions like Thanksgiving. The secret lies in a delightful brown sugar shortbread crust that provides a sturdy, buttery base, perfectly complementing the rich, honey-infused pecan pie topping. This recipe comes from baker Cristal Paredes, and her expert touch truly shines through.
What to Expect
Prepare for a dessert that marries contrasting textures beautifully: a tender, slightly crumbly shortbread crust underneath a gloriously gooey, deeply caramelized pecan filling. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the toasted pecans, enveloped in a sweet, sticky base sweetened with both brown sugar and honey. The flavors are a harmonious blend of rich butter, warm brown sugar, and distinct nutty notes, making for a truly decadent treat. With approximately 320 calories per serving, these bars offer a delightful indulgence perfect for any festive gathering.
Customization & Variations
While the recipe is perfect as written, you have a few options for pantry flexibility. If heavy cream isn't on hand, you can confidently use milk instead in the pecan filling without compromising the creamy texture. For a different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for an extra layer of warmth, though the pure pecan and honey flavors are truly stellar on their own.
Serving & Context
These Easy Pecan Pie Bars are a natural fit for holiday dessert tables, especially at Thanksgiving, or any fall gathering where you need a crowd-pleasing sweet. Their bar format makes them easy to serve and enjoy, perfect alongside a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.