Pecan Pie Bars are everything you love about traditional pecan pie, transformed into easy-to-serve, bite-sized treats. They capture all the rich, buttery, and nutty goodness of the classic holiday dessert but with the convenience of a handheld bar. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or anytime you crave that sweet, sticky filling with a satisfying crunch.
These bars start with a buttery shortbread-like crust that acts as the perfect base. It’s tender but sturdy enough to hold the gooey pecan topping without falling apart. The topping itself is rich and luscious, filled with toasted pecans coated in a caramel-like mixture that’s perfectly sweet with a deep, molasses-like flavor. Each bite delivers the satisfying crunch of pecans balanced by the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
Pecan Pie Bars are often a hit at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or dessert tables because of their simplicity and shareable nature. Instead of slicing a traditional pie, you can serve these as neat squares or rectangles, making them easy to grab and enjoy without the need for plates or forks. They pack the same decadent flavors but with less fuss, which is always a win during busy celebrations.
Beyond the holidays, these bars are a treat that fits almost any occasion. They’re a great addition to bake sales, family picnics, or casual coffee breaks. Their combination of crunchy pecans, buttery crust, and sweet filling strikes a perfect balance that appeals to both those who love rich desserts and those who prefer something nutty and textured.
Pecan Pie Bars also store beautifully. Whether kept in the fridge for a firmer bite or left at room temperature for a softer, chewier texture, they maintain their flavor and consistency for days. Some even like to drizzle a little chocolate on top for an extra indulgent twist or sprinkle a bit of sea salt to contrast the sweetness.
Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or just because you’re craving something sweet and nutty, Pecan Pie Bars are a timeless dessert that never disappoints. They’re rich, comforting, and a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 3 eggs beaten
- 1 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 2 cups pecans chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, flour, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, whisk together the brown sugar, beaten eggs, corn syrup, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the oven for an additional 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into squares and serving.
Nutrition
I don’t like pecans, so I used walnuts instead and it was still pretty nice. 😋
Best recipe ever! They are a hit at family gatherings. Will make again for sure! 🍰
These bars are amazing! I can’t stop eating them! 😍
Yummy! But can I use walnuts instead of pecans? I like them better.
Wow, yum! Pecan pie but in a bar? Genius! I love how easy these are to make.
I know right? I’ve never thought of pecan pie in bar form! Can’t wait to try this!
I think I missed something, mine didn’t look like yours! Just a runny mess.
Nice recipe but this is not pie!! It’s just a bar form. LOL
I followed the recipe but they kinda fell apart. Maybe I didn’t let them cool long enough? 🤷♀️
Why use corn syrup? Can I just use sugar instead? Seems weird.
But like, sugar is sugar? Why not just use normal suiker? Sounds confusing to me.
Corn syrup helps give that gooey texture that sugar alone can’t achieve. It’s not weird, it’s just another way to make it delicious!
I tried making these and they turned out super gooey. Followed the recipe exactly!
These pecan pie bars are absolutely delicious! I made them for Thanksgiving and they were gone within minutes.
They taste good, but I found them a bit too sweet for my liking. I might reduce the sugars next time.
Pretty good! But I like my pecan pie classic. This is just a bit too chewy for me.
Soo good! I added chocolate chips to the filling, tasted like heaven!
Chocolate chips?! That’s a game changer! I need to try that next time! 🍫
I dunno about chocolate in pecan pie. Seems weird. Aren’t pecans good enough by themselves?