Easy Pecan Pie Bars

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Absolutely! Easy Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate solution for when you’re craving that classic pecan pie flavor without the fuss of making a pie crust. They’re buttery, gooey, packed with pecans, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any sweet treat occasion.

Here’s a simple, no-fail recipe that delivers all the flavor of pecan pie in an easy-to-make and easy-to-serve bar form.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars

This recipe uses a simple press-in shortbread crust and a filling that comes together in minutes.

Yield: 24 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40-50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crust:

· 1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour
· ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Filling:

· 3 large eggs
· 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
· 1 cup (240ml) light or dark corn syrup (see note below)
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
· 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· 2 heaping cups (about 225g) pecan halves or pieces

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Pan

  1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. (Alternatively, you can grease the pan well).
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter, your fingers, or a fork to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs and starts to clump together.
  3. Press into Pan: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  4. Par-bake: Bake for 15 minutes. While it’s baking, prepare the filling. The crust will look pale and puffed when it comes out.

Step 2: Make the Filling and Assemble

  1. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until foamy. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth.
  2. Add Pecans: Stir in the pecans until they are all evenly coated.
  3. Assemble: Pour the pecan filling mixture over the hot, par-baked crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, ensuring the pecans are distributed.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes. The bars are done when the filling is set around the edges and the center just barely jiggles when you gently shake the pan. The top will be golden brown.
  2. Cool Completely: This is the most important step for clean cuts! Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature. This will take at least 2-3 hours. For best results, once cooled, cover and refrigerate for another 1-2 hours to fully set the filling.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

  1. Lift and Slice: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan onto a cutting board.
  2. Cut: Use a sharp knife to slice into 24 squares (or your desired size). For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife clean between slices.

Recipe Notes & Tips for Success

· Corn Syrup Substitute: Don’t have corn syrup? You can use pure maple syrup or honey for a different, but equally delicious, flavor profile. The texture might be slightly less gooey.
· Preventing a Sticky Mess: Lining the pan with parchment paper is a lifesaver for easy cleanup and removal.
· Don’t Overbake: The filling will continue to set as it cools. Overbaking is the main cause of a hard, crunchy filling instead of a soft, gooey one.
· Toast the Pecans (Pro-Tip): For an even deeper, nuttier flavor, spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them at 350°F for 5-8 minutes before adding them to the filling. Let them cool slightly first.
· Add a Little Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon or rum to the filling along with the vanilla for a sophisticated twist.
· Chocolate Lover’s Version: Sprinkle ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot crust right after you take it out of the oven (before adding the filling). Let them melt for a minute, then spread them into a thin layer. Proceed with the filling as directed.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy these incredibly easy and delicious bars! They are guaranteed to satisfy your pecan pie craving.

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