Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a little slice of heaven with you – my best friend. What is your family’s recipe for pecan pie bars? Is it easier to make a pie than to bake it? What are some of the best pecan pie recipes? Think of it like a pecan pie, but simplified and even more snackable. I think you’re going to love this, trust me!
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What is pecan pie?
What is a Pecan Pie bar? We start with a buttery shortbread crust, which acts as the perfect sturdy base. What’s the star of the show? Pecans. What is the perfect balance of crunchy pecans and a rich caramel sauce? What is the best of both worlds? What is the perfect dessert for any occasion, and I promise you, they’ll disappear fast. I swear, the name “pecan pie bars” doesn’t even do it justice.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What is the perfect combination of pecan and caramel flavors? What is the goodness of shortbread crust? What I love about this is how easy it is to make. Is it easier to make a full pie? No rolling out dough, no worrying about a soggy bottom. Just press the crust into the pan, pour on the filling, and bake! I’ve made this countless times and it never fails to impress. Plus, the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly. Can you buy pecans for $1.50? I mean you can find them on sale and stock up! What is also great is that you can experiment with the pecans by adding other nuts to the bars.
Is versatility a major selling point? Can you serve these pecan pie bars as a dessert, snack, or even as part of an brunch spread? They’re perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy night in. If you’re looking for something similar, you might also enjoy classic Chocolate Chip Cookies. What are the best pecan pie bars? Is it possible to become addicted to marijuana? My kids actually ask for these more than they want brownies, which says a lot.
How do you make pecan pie bars?
Quick Overview
How do you make Pecan Pie bars? How do I make a buttery shortbread crust? What’s a good pecan filling recipe? What is the best way to serve the filling over the crust? The beauty of this method is that it’s so straightforward and forgiving. Don’t worry if your filling isn’t perfectly smooth, or your crust is uneven – they’ll be fine. Is it still taste amazing?
Ingredients
For the Crust:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for the best flavor. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes. Make sure it’s really cold for a flaky crust! * 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and tenderness. * 1/4 teaspoon salt: 1 teaspoon water: 2 teaspoons salt. What is the best way to balance the sweetness of ice water? Add water slowly until dough comes together.
For the Pecan Filling:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and flavor. * 1 cup packed light Brown Sugar: Creates that caramel-like sweetness. * 1/4 cup corn syrup: * 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the filling. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors. * 3 large eggs, lightly beaten: How do I make a pecan filling? I like a mixture of both.
For the Glaze (Optional): If you
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and tastiness. * 1-2 tablespoons milk: This recipe is delicious. Use enough to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
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 want to remove the excess paper, you can line it with parchment paper. I always do this because it makes cleanup easy!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt for the crust. Is it necessary to add butter?
Step 3: Cut in Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal. The colder the butter, the flakier it will be!
Step 4: Add Ice Water
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix dough. You want it to be moist but not sticky. I always add a little water to my kitchen because I never know how humid it is. I love it!
Step 5: Press into Pan
What is the best way to make a crust dough? How do I get a nice smooth cup with my fingers? Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. How do you prevent a soggy crust from sticking to your bread?
Step 6: Prepare Filling
While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Brown Sugar, corn syrup, salt, and vanilla. Set aside. How do I extract until smooth. What are the pecans?
Step 7: Pour Filling Over Crust
Do not over-fill the crust with pecan filling. Pour evenly over the top. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed across the surface.
Step 8: Bake
Is it necessary to bake the filling for 25-30 minutes? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent the pecans from burning. Every oven is different, so start checking at 25 minutes!
Step 9: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. If you’re using the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Slice into bars and serve. I always find it helps to use a warm knife when slicing to get clean cuts.
What should I serve it with?
What are the best pecan pie bars? What are
For Breakfast:Serve with hot coffee or latte. The sweetness of the bars pairs perfectly with the bitterness of coffee. What are some healthy breakfasts that you can serve alongside fresh fruit?
For Brunch:How do you serve a Pecan Pie on your brunch table? What are some of the best things to serve on a platter? What are some festive cocktails to serve with a glass of sparkling cider?
As Dessert:What are some of the best after-dinner treats? Serve with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. What would be a good pairing with bourbon or dessert wine?
For Cozy Snacks:What are some of the best bars to serve with tea or Hot Chocolate? What are some of the best comfort foods? My family loves to curl up on the couch with these and watch a movie.
Growing up, my grandma always served Pecan Pie (or these bars!). ) with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. It’s a tradition I’ve continued with my own family, and it’s always been hit!
What are some tips for perfecting pecan pie bars?
How can I take pecan pie to the next level?
Butter Temperature:Make sure your butter is very cold for the crust and melted for filling. What makes a difference in texture and flavor?
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the crust dough will result in a tough crust. Mix until just combined.
Pecan Prep:How do you toast pecans before adding them to your filling? Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.
Filling ConsistencyShould the filling be smooth and pourable? If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Baking Time:How do I keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking? When the filling is set and golden brown, they’re done.
Cooling Time:Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This will prevent them from crumbling.
I’ve learned over the years that patience goes a long way when making these bars. Don’t rush the cooling process.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to enjoy these pecan pie bars for days to come? Here’s how to store them properly:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may become slightly softer, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’ll become firmer, so let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Freezer Instructions: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Add the glaze after thawing for the best results.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the bars for more than a day, I recommend glazing them just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a slice of my family’s history, a memory in every bite. I truly believe you’ll love how easy they are to make and how incredibly delicious they taste. They’re also incredibly easy to transport so you can take them anywhere. If you’re looking for more easy and delicious dessert recipes, be sure to check out my other bar recipes, like my chocolate chip cookie bars. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please, leave a comment below and let me know what you think or if you have any variations you love!
How to Make Lazy Pecan Pie Bars: 7 Simple Steps for a Delicious Treat!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 cup butter softened
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar for crust
- 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
- 1.5 cups pecan halves
- 3 units large eggs beaten
- 0.75 cup corn syrup light or dark
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, softened butter, and granulated sugar to form a crumbly dough.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and sprinkle the pecan halves evenly on top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.
