Go Back
Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Abby Marlow
These delicious pecan pie bars transform the classic dessert into convenient, hand-held treats that everyone will love. With a buttery shortbread base and gooey, nutty topping, they deliver all the flavors of traditional pecan pie but in an easier-to-make format – perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any sweet tooth craving!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 16 bars
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2/3 cup corn syrup
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups pecans 1 1/2 cups chopped, 1 cup halves for topping
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides for easy removal.
  • For the crust, combine flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold butter cubes and vanilla, pulsing until mixture resembles coarse crumbs and begins to come together.
  • Press dough evenly into prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven but keep it on.
  • While crust bakes, whisk eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans and cinnamon if using.
  • Pour filling over hot crust and arrange pecan halves decoratively on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until filling is set but still slightly jiggly in center.
  • Cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 2 hours. Use parchment overhang to lift out, then slice into bars.

Notes

For extra flavor in your pecan pie bars, toast the pecans at 350°F for 8-10 minutes before adding to the filling. Love chocolate? Try adding 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a delicious variation.
Nutrition:
Calories: 380
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 180mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 28g
Keyword easy pecan dessert, holiday baking, make-ahead dessert, pecan pie bars, shortbread crust dessert