Description
These Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect easy dessert when you want all the flavor of classic pecan pie without the fuss—ideal for quick breakfast treats, easy dessert bars after dinner, or make-ahead party sweets. A buttery shortbread crust is topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling that bakes up golden and sliceable, making these bars perfect for holiday dessert tables, potlucks, and everyday dessert ideas. Whether you’re looking for simple baking projects, easy recipes to share, or new food ideas for your next gathering, these pecan pie bars deliver sweet, nutty comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
3 large eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons heavy cream optional
2 cups chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt optional for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides, and lightly grease the parchment and exposed sides of the pan.
2. Make the crust by combining the flour, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl and stirring until evenly blended.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, then use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs that hold together when pressed.
4. Transfer the crust mixture to the prepared pan and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom, making sure to pack it into the corners for an even layer.
5. Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, or until it looks set and the edges are just lightly golden, then remove it from the oven and leave the oven temperature at 350°F (175°C).
6. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling by whisking the eggs in a large bowl until well combined.
7. Add the light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the eggs and whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy with no streaks of egg remaining.
8. Whisk in the heavy cream, if using, then fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly coated in the filling mixture.
9. As soon as the crust comes out of the oven, give the pecan filling a quick stir and pour it evenly over the hot crust, using a spatula to spread the nuts into an even layer.
10. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is puffed, set around the edges, and the center has only a slight jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.
11. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. If desired, immediately sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty finish.
12. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan so the filling can fully set, then use the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab out onto a cutting board.
13. Slice into 16 bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges, and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Notes
For the best crust texture, keep the butter very cold and avoid overworking the dough—stop mixing as soon as it forms moist crumbs that hold together when pressed.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing; if you’re in a hurry, chill them in the refrigerator for easier, cleaner cuts.
For extra flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet or in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the filling, letting them cool slightly so they don’t scramble the eggs.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: pecan pie bars, easy dessert bars, best ever pecan bars, holiday dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, quick dessert, easy recipe, dessert ideas, bar desserts, sweet food ideas