Pecan Pie Bars: The Perfect Blend of Crunch and Sweetness

Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic flavors of pecan pie but wants the convenience of a handheld dessert. These bars combine a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust with a gooey, caramelized pecan topping, creating a dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delightful results.

Not only are these bars incredibly delicious, but they also bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite, reminiscent of traditional pecan pies served during the holidays. With a balance of buttery richness and nutty sweetness, Pecan Pie Bars are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

 

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Filling:

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 cups chopped pecans

 

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Pecan Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the brown sugar and honey, cooking until the mixture starts to bubble gently. This should take about 2–3 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.
4. Add the chopped pecans to the caramel mixture, ensuring all the nuts are evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20–22 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and set.
3. Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will take about 1 hour.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Once the bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan.
2. Place the bars on a cutting board and slice them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
3. Serve the Pecan Pie Bars as is, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Tips for Success

1. Use Cold Butter: For the crust, ensure your butter is cold. This helps create a flaky, crumbly texture.
2. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars during the final baking step. Overbaking can cause the filling to harden too much.
3. Chop Pecans Finely: Chopping the pecans into smaller pieces ensures an even distribution and makes the bars easier to cut.
4. Line the Pan: Using parchment paper with an overhang makes it much easier to lift the bars out and ensures a clean cut.

Pecan Pie Bars are a versatile dessert that combines the beloved flavors of traditional pecan pie with the convenience of a bar cookie. They’re perfect for holiday celebrations, potluck dinners, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness. With a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, caramel-pecan topping, these bars are guaranteed to impress family and friends.

This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, yet the results are nothing short of spectacular. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as part of a dessert spread, Pecan Pie Bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why wait? Gather your ingredients and try this recipe today. You’ll find yourself making these bars time and again, delighting in their rich, nutty flavor and perfect texture. Happy baking!