Cozy Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: Sweet Nutty Bliss

Sweet, buttery pecans dance across a golden, caramelized surface in these mouthwatering irresistible pecan pie bars that promise pure dessert bliss.

Every crumb delivers a symphony of rich, nutty flavors and delicate textures that melt seamlessly on your tongue.

The classic Southern treat comes alive with a crisp, flaky crust and a luscious filling packed with crunchy pecans.

Layers of brown sugar and butter create a decadent experience that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Warm spices weave through each bite, offering comfort and indulgence in equal measure.

These bars capture the essence of homemade goodness, perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring in a quiet moment of sweet satisfaction.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that will become your new favorite indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 249 kcal

Servings: 17

What Goes Into Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a sturdy, crumbly base that holds the pie bars together beautifully.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crust texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and adds luxurious flavor to the crust.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a luscious, sticky filling.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures a smooth, glossy texture and prevents sugar crystallization.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky, luxurious filling consistency.
• Large Eggs: Bind the filling ingredients and provide structure to the pecan mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pecans perfectly.
• Pecans: Bring a delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and signature texture to the bars.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and elevates the overall sweetness of the filling.

• Caramel Sauce: Adds extra decadence and creates a stunning presentation.
• Whipped Cream: Provides a light, airy contrast to the rich pecan filling.

Helpful Tools For Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect bar size and even baking.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Medium mixing bowl: Needed for preparing the shortbread crust.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending filling ingredients and preventing lumps.
• Saucepan: Used for cooking the pecan filling over medium heat.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helps spread crust and filling evenly in the pan.
• Sharp knife: Required for clean, precise bar cutting after cooling.

Steps To Bake Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and get your baking pan ready by giving it a light coating of grease or laying down a comfy parchment paper blanket.

• Craft the Buttery Base

Blend flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter into a cozy mixture. Press this delightful dough firmly into your pan, creating a golden foundation. Pop it in the oven for about 15-18 minutes until it turns a lovely light brown.

• Create the Gooey Pecan Magic

In a simmering saucepan, dance brown sugar, corn syrup, and cream together until they’re smooth and bubbly. Pull it off the heat and invite eggs, vanilla, and salt to the party. Fold in those crunchy pecans for extra excitement.

• Layer and Bake

Pour your nutty, sweet mixture over the golden crust, making sure it spreads evenly across the surface. Slide it back into the oven for 25-30 minutes until the filling looks set and slightly firm.

• Slice and Indulge

Let the bars cool completely, then cut into delectable squares. Serve them up and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure dessert joy!

Easy Tips To Tweak Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pecan pie bars up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring maximum freshness and convenience for busy home bakers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
• Perfect Pecan Placement: Toast pecans briefly before adding to the filling to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile for your bars.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter alternatives to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy products while maintaining rich, indulgent flavors.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with adding a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the filling for an extra layer of complexity and a gourmet twist that elevates the classic pecan pie bar recipe.

Serving Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe In Style

• Sweet Companion Delights: Pair these chewy pecan pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience that melts in your mouth.
• Beverage Buddy Boost: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate to complement the nutty, sweet flavors of the pecan bars.
• Presentation Perfection: Dust the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or arrange on a rustic wooden board for an eye-catching dessert display that looks as good as it tastes.
• Garnish Glamour: Top with a few whole pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce to add extra texture and a gourmet touch to your homemade bars.

Storage Instructions For Chewy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

• Fridge Storage Strategies: Keep bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days, maintaining their delightful chewy texture and preventing them from sticking together.
• Freezing Magic: Carefully wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to store for 2-3 months, perfect for future sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
• Room Temperature Freshness: When serving at a gathering, leave bars at room temperature for up to 2 days, covering loosely with foil to protect from dust and maintain their delectable crunch.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before your event, storing in the refrigerator and bringing to room temperature 30 minutes before serving to ensure maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Irresistible Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Homemade pecan pie bars blend Southern comfort with rich caramel and nutty flavors. Buttery shortbread crust and toasted pecans create a delightful dessert perfect for holiday gatherings and casual weekends.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (240 g) chopped pecans
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 227 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (120 ml) corn syrup (light or dark)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ¾ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), establishing an ideal baking environment for the pecan bars.
2. Shortbread Creation: Blend flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter into a unified mixture, creating a firm, compact base for the dessert.
3. Crust Formation: Press the shortbread mixture evenly into a prepared baking pan, ensuring a uniform foundation that will support the pecan topping.
4. Initial Baking: Bake the shortbread crust until it reaches a light golden color, approximately 15-18 minutes, then allow it to cool and stabilize.
5. Filling Development: Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream in a saucepan, simmering and stirring until the sugar completely dissolves into a smooth mixture.
6. Filling Enrichment: Remove from heat and whisk in eggs, vanilla, and salt, creating a luxurious, silky filling that will bind the pecans.
7. Pecan Integration: Gently fold chopped pecans into the filling, ensuring each nut is thoroughly coated with the sweet cream mixture.
8. Final Assembly: Carefully pour the pecan filling over the cooled shortbread crust, distributing it evenly across the surface.
9. Final Baking: Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing the filling to set with a gentle firmness that promises a perfect texture.
10. Cooling and Serving: Let the bars cool completely, allowing flavors to meld and the filling to set, then slice into elegant squares and serve as a standalone treat or with a caramel drizzle or whipped cream.

Notes

• Optimize Shortbread Base: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact, stable foundation that prevents crumbling and ensures a consistent texture throughout the bars.
• Prevent Filling Overflow: Use a baking pan with high sides and avoid overfilling to stop the pecan mixture from spilling during baking, maintaining a clean and professional appearance.
• Control Pecan Toasting: Toast pecans lightly before mixing into the filling to enhance their natural nutty flavor and add a deeper, more complex taste profile to the dessert.
• Manage Cooling Process: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting to help the filling set properly and prevent a runny or messy texture when slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 249
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 43 mg