Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

If you love the rich and nutty flavor of pecan pie but don’t want to fuss with making a traditional pie crust, then pecan pie bars are the perfect solution! These delightful bars are a delicious twist on the classic pecan pie, with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday dessert or just craving a sweet treat, pecan pie bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the pecan filling:

3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Steps

Step 1: Preparing the crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

Step 2: Making the pecan filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan filling. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Stir in the pecan halves, making sure they are evenly coated with the filling mixture.

Step 3: Assembling and baking

Once the crust has baked, remove it from the oven and pour the pecan filling over the hot crust. Spread the pecans out evenly.

Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.

Variations

While the classic pecan pie bars are a true delight, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste:

Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the pecan filling for a boozy twist.
Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips over the crust before adding the pecan filling for a chocolatey touch.
Replace the pecans with other nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the bars for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your pecan pie bars turn out perfectly:

Make sure to line the baking pan with parchment paper to easily remove the bars later.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them to ensure clean and neat slices.
If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Store the pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Conclusion

Pecan pie bars are a wonderful alternative to traditional pecan pie, offering all the flavors you love in a more convenient and portable form. With their buttery shortbread crust and gooey pecan filling, these bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply enjoying them as a sweet treat, pecan pie bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of syrup instead of corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or golden syrup for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the taste and texture of the bars may vary slightly.

2. Can I make pecan pie bars in advance?

Absolutely! Pecan pie bars can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze pecan pie bars?

Yes, you can freeze pecan pie bars for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

4. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or even a combination of different nuts. Just make sure to adjust the measurements accordingly.

5. Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making my own crust?

Yes, if you prefer a shortcut, you can use a store-bought pie crust instead of making your own crust. Simply follow the instructions on the package for blind-baking the crust before adding the pecan filling.

Enjoy making and savoring these delicious pecan pie bars!