Pecan Pie Bars

Freshly baked pecan pie bars with a golden crust and caramelized pecan topping.

Who doesn’t love the rich, buttery, and caramelized goodness of pecan pie? Now, imagine all that deliciousness in a handheld, easy-to-make Pecan Pie Bar! These bars take all the best parts of a classic pecan pie—flaky crust, gooey filling, and crunchy pecans—and transform them into a simple, fuss-free treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just craving a sweet indulgence, pecan pie bars are the answer. They require fewer steps than a traditional pie, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from the history of pecan pie bars to expert baking tips, delicious variations, and a foolproof step-by-step recipe.

Let’s dive in and discover why pecan pie bars deserve a spot in your dessert rotation!

What Are Pecan Pie Bars?

The Origin of Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars are a modern twist on the classic pecan pie, which has deep roots in Southern U.S. cuisine. The original pecan pie dates back to the 19th century and is believed to have been popularized in Texas and Louisiana, where pecan trees are abundant. Over time, bakers began experimenting with different ways to enjoy this beloved dessert in more convenient forms, leading to the creation of pecan pie bars.

How They Differ from Traditional Pecan Pie

While pecan pie is traditionally baked in a round pie crust, pecan pie bars are made in a rectangular or square baking dish, then sliced into bars. Instead of a flaky pie crust, they feature a buttery shortbread crust, which holds up better when cut into portions. The filling remains the same—a rich combination of eggs, butter, sugar, and pecans—but because bars have more surface area, they develop a slightly crispier topping, making them even more irresistible!

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars are a crowd-pleasing favorite, and here’s why:

Perfect for Any Occasion

These bars are great for holidays, parties, bake sales, or even as a weekday treat. Unlike traditional pecan pie, which requires slicing and serving with utensils, pecan pie bars are easy to grab and enjoy on the go.

Easier to Make Than Pie

No need to worry about rolling out a pie crust! The shortbread base comes together with just a few simple ingredients and is pressed directly into the pan—no special skills required.

Rich, Buttery, and Crunchy Texture

The combination of a tender, buttery crust and a gooey, caramelized pecan topping creates the perfect bite. The crunchy pecans add texture, while the filling is smooth, sweet, and slightly sticky—everything you love about pecan pie in a portable form.

Essential Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars

Before diving into the recipe, let’s break down the key ingredients that make pecan pie bars so delicious.

The Best Type of Pecans to Use

Pecans are the star of this dessert, so choosing high-quality, fresh pecans is essential. Look for:

  • Raw, unsalted pecans – These provide the best flavor and texture.
  • Halves or chopped pecans – Halves give a classic look, while chopped pecans create an even distribution in every bite.
  • Toasted pecans – Lightly toasting pecans before adding them enhances their nutty flavor and crunch.

Sweeteners: Corn Syrup vs. Maple Syrup

The filling of pecan pie bars is traditionally sweetened with light or dark corn syrup, which helps achieve the signature gooey texture. However, you can substitute it with maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar syrup for a different flavor profile.

  • Corn Syrup – Creates a classic, rich consistency.
  • Maple Syrup – Adds a warm, natural sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar Syrup – Gives a deeper, caramel-like taste.

Flour, Butter, and Other Key Ingredients

Each layer of pecan pie bars has its own important components:

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • All-purpose flour – The base of the crust, providing structure.
  • Unsalted butter – Gives the crust its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Powdered sugar – Adds slight sweetness without making the crust too dense.
  • Salt – Balances the flavors.

For the Filling:

  • Eggs – Help bind the filling together.
  • Brown sugar – Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
  • Corn syrup or maple syrup – Keeps the filling gooey.
  • Vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor.
  • Melted butter – Adds richness and depth.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Pecan Pie Bars

Preparing the shortbread crust for pecan pie bars in a baking pan.

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process to make perfect pecan pie bars.

Step 1: Preparing the Buttery Shortbread Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
  3. Cut in 1 cup of cold unsalted butter, using a pastry cutter or fork, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Set aside.

Step 2: Making the Gooey Pecan Filling

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1 cup of brown sugar
    • ¾ cup of corn syrup (or maple syrup)
    • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon of salt
    • ¼ cup of melted butter
  2. Stir in 2 cups of chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Bars

  1. Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
  2. Return to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
  3. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing.

Step 4: Cooling and Cutting Tips

  • Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
  • For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.
  • Chill in the refrigerator before slicing for even neater edges.

Variations of Pecan Pie Bars

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

  • Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, decadent twist.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars before serving.

Salted Caramel Pecan Bars

  • Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bars after baking.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt for a perfect sweet-salty balance.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

  • Substitute gluten-free flour for the shortbread crust.
  • Use flax eggs and coconut oil instead of eggs and butter for a vegan version.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

Want to make flawless pecan pie bars every time? Follow these expert baking tips!

How to Prevent a Soggy Bottom

  • Pre-bake the crust – This is crucial! A quick 15-minute bake before adding the filling prevents a soggy bottom.
  • Avoid overloading with liquid – Too much syrup can make the crust too wet. Stick to the recipe’s filling ratio.
  • Let the crust cool slightly before adding the filling to keep it crisp.

Achieving the Ideal Crunch

  • Toast the pecans before adding them to the filling for an extra layer of nuttiness and crunch.
  • Bake at the right temperature – Too hot, and the top will burn; too low, and the filling won’t set properly. Stick to 350°F (175°C).
  • Don’t overmix the filling – Stir just enough to combine ingredients without incorporating too much air.

Storing and Freezing for Later

Pecan pie bars store well, making them a great make-ahead dessert!

  • Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Pecan pie bars served with vanilla ice cream.

Best Pairings for Pecan Pie Bars

These bars taste incredible on their own, but pairing them with the right side can take them to the next level!

  • Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy ice cream balances the richness.
  • Whipped Cream – Light and airy, it cuts through the sweetness.
  • Coffee or Tea – The deep, roasted flavors complement the caramelized pecans.
  • Drizzled Chocolate – Melted dark or white chocolate adds elegance.

How to Plate for Special Occasions

  • Stack the bars in a pyramid shape on a serving platter for an elegant dessert table.
  • Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over each bar before serving.
  • Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bakers can run into problems. Here’s what to watch out for:

Overbaking or Undercooking

  • Solution: Bake until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Overbaking results in hard bars, while underbaking leaves them runny.

Not Using the Right Sweetener

  • Solution: Stick with corn syrup, maple syrup, or brown sugar syrup for the best texture. Substituting granulated sugar alone won’t provide the gooey consistency.

Cutting Before Completely Cooling

  • Solution: Let bars cool for at least 2 hours before cutting. For the cleanest slices, chill in the fridge first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Pecan Pie Bars Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make them 1-2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. If you’re interested in other dessert bars that hold up well over time, check out this Ultimate Brookie Recipe—a delicious brownie and cookie hybrid.

2. What’s the Best Way to Store Them?

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.

3. Can I Use Honey Instead of Corn Syrup?

Yes, but keep in mind that honey has a stronger flavor and might alter the taste slightly. If you’re looking for ingredient swaps in baking, you might also find Can I Use Heavy Cream Instead of Milk in Cornbread? helpful.

4. Why Did My Bars Turn Out Too Hard?

They were likely overbaked. Bake until the center is just set and slightly jiggly when you shake the pan.

5. Are Pecan Pie Bars Gluten-Free?

Not by default, but you can easily substitute gluten-free flour for the crust to make them gluten-free!

Conclusion

Pecan pie bars are the ultimate dessert upgrade—easier to make than traditional pie, but just as delicious. With their buttery shortbread crust, gooey pecan filling, and perfect crunch, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with fun variations, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Try making a batch today, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of homemade pecan pie bars! If you love pecan desserts, you might also enjoy our Ultimate Brookie Recipe for a unique twist on classic baked goods.