Okay, picture this: Is this It’s Thanksgiving, the aroma of roasting turkey fills the air, and you’re *supposed* to be making a turkey. What is it like to babysit a finicky pie? What are pecan pie bars? What are some of the best pecan pie recipes? Slice-and-serve bar form If you love pecan pie but are short on time (or patience, let’s be honest) then why? What are some of the best baby food recipes that are easy to make? How do you make a pecan pie without all the fuss? Is it true that once you try these pecan pie bars, you will never go back to regular pie?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What are pecan pie bars?
Think of pecan pie bars as a laid-back cousin of pie. They have all the essential elements—a buttery base, a sweet and sticky pecan filling—but presented with contrasting colors. In a convenient bar shape. What’s essentially a shortbread crust topped with that amazing pecan pie filling? How do I bake a cake until golden brown and perfectly set? What is a name? Is it easy to make a pie? If you can mix ingredients in a bowl and press them into the pan, you’re golden! What are some great bake sales ideas? What is sweet?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This pecan pie bar recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First, the flavor is absolutely divine. We’re talking a buttery, slightly salty crust that perfectly complements the sweet, nutty, and caramelly filling. The contrast is just *chef’s kiss*. Second, and maybe even more importantly, these bars are incredibly easy to make. Seriously, if you’ve ever felt intimidated by pie crust, this is your chance to shine. The crust is a simple press-in situation, and the filling comes together in minutes. It’s practically foolproof! What I love most about this is how cost-effective it is. Pecans can be a bit pricey, but you don’t need a mountain of them for the bars, making it a relatively budget-friendly dessert option. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can add chocolate chips, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a splash of bourbon to the filling for extra flair. If you’re a fan of other easy bar recipes like chocolate brownies or lemon bars, these pecan pie bars will be right up your alley!
How do you make pecan pie bars?
Quick Overview
How do you make pecan pie bars? How do I make a shortbread crust? If you make the pecan filling, pour it over the crust, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. Once cooled, you can drizzle them with a simple glaze (or not – they’re delicious either way! What is the best part? How do I start a process that takes less than an hour? I’ve tweaked this method over the years to make it as streamlined and efficient as possible. Why do people sacrifice flavor What’s your go-to dessert?
Ingredients
For the Crust:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I prefer unbleached for the best flavor, but either works. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes. The colder the butter, the flakier is the crust! Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the buttery flavor. * 1/4 teaspoon salt: What are the other flavors of crust? * 2-3 tablespoons ice water: Add this gradually until the dough comes together. Don’t overdo it
For the Filling:
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar: This is what gives the filling that delicious caramel flavor. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the filling set properly. * 1/4 cup corn syrup: Light or dark, it doesn’t matter. It contributes to that classic pecan pie texture. * 3 large eggs: How do you make a custardy filling? * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors and adds a touch of warmth. * 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the nuttiness of the pecans. * 1 1/2 cups pecan halves: I like to use a mix of halves and pieces for more interesting texture.
For the Glaze (optional):
* 1 cup powdered sugar: For a smooth and sweet glaze. * 2-3 tablespoons milk: * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon per 1 cup. Add gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Optional, but adds a lovely flavor.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you have a pan, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. I always do this; it makes slicing and serving so much easier!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Why is salt so important for flavor?
Step 3: Cut in Butter
How do you cut butter in a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. Don’t melt the butter!
Step 4: Add Ice Water
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, which can result in a tough crust. You want a tender crust, so mix gently.
Step 5: Press into Pan
How do you press dough into a greased pan? How do you flatten out a measuring cup? I like to poke holes in the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
Step 6: Par-Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. How do you keep a close eye on the crust when you add the filling? I don’t want it to burn!
Step 7: Prepare the Filling
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Set aside. Is it too late to mix salt and pepper until Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might cook the eggs slightly.
Step 8: Add Pecans
Stir in pecan halves. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Step 9: Pour and Bake
Pour the filling over the par-baked crust and spread evenly. Is it necessary to bake the filling for 25-30 minutes? The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquidy. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
Step 10: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is important, as the filling needs time to set properly. If you’re using a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. Drizzle over cooled bars. I often skip the glaze because they’re already sweet enough, but it does add a nice touch!
Step 11: Slice & Serve
How do you slice a bar into squares or rectangles? What are some good side dishes to serve with vanilla ice cream? Dollop of whipped cream.
What should I serve it with?
These pecan pie bars are pretty amazing on their own, but if you’re looking to take them to the next level, you need to make them. What are some ideas for a beginner’s level?For Breakfast:What are some good ways to start the day with a cup of coffee? Try pairing it with a dark roast for smoky contrast.For Brunch:Serve these bars alongside a fruit salad and some mimosas for an elegant brunch spread. I like to arrange them on a platter with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.As Dessert:What are some of the best bars to serve at the end of a meal? Serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or sea salt adds a nice touch.For Cozy Snacks:What are some good pecan pie bars to serve on a cold night? What are some of the best ways to enjoy hot chocolate with milk? My family loves to snuggle up on the couch with these and watch a movie.
How do I make Pecan Pie Bars?
How do I make sure my pecan pie bars are perfect? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?Cold Butter is the key to a successful diet.For the flakiest crust, make sure your butter is ice-cold. Is it safe to put flour in the freezer for a few minutes before cutting it into the flour?Don’t overmix the crust: Don’tOvermixing the crust will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix gently until the dough comes together.Par-Bake the Crust Par-baking the crust helps prevent it from becoming soggy when you add the filling. Make sure to poke a few holes in the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final product will be. I always use good-quality butter and vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to add your own twist to the filling. Chocolate chips, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a splash of bourbon are all great additions.
Let Them Cool Completely: This is crucial! The filling needs time to set properly. If you try to slice the bars while they’re still warm, they’ll be a gooey mess. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way! I also like to use a plastic knife to slice them, because it doesn’t drag as much.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These pecan pie bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm them up. I usually don’t bother reheating them, though; they taste great straight from the fridge!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my super simple, totally delicious pecan pie bars. I seriously can’t recommend these enough! They’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to weeknight desserts. And the best part is, they’re so easy to make that even a beginner baker can pull them off. If you’re a fan of easy desserts, you should also check out my recipe for chocolate chip cookies. These are a real crowd-pleaser! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!
How to Whip Up Lazy Pecan Pie Bars in Just 7 Steps!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar for crust
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1.5 cups dark corn syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cups pecan halves lightly chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang for easy lifting.
- To make the crust, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until it starts to turn golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
- For the filling, whisk together the dark corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until thoroughly combined. Gently fold in the pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.
