Delight in the rich and nutty goodness of Pecan Pie Bars, a perfect treat for those who love the classic pecan pie but crave the convenience of a bar. This recipe offers the same delicious flavor and texture of a traditional pecan pie, packed into easy-to-serve bars.
Servings: 24 bars
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup cold butter
For the Top Layer:
- ⅔ cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp flour
- 4 large or extra-large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups dark corn syrup (dark syrup recommended for richer flavor)
- 2 cups roughly chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) for aluminum bakeware or 325°F (163°C) for glass bakeware. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cutting of the bars.
- Make the Crust: Combine 1¾ cups flour and ½ cup sugar. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes until the edges start to brown. Remove from oven.
- Prepare the Top Layer: In a bowl, mix ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp flour with brown sugar to avoid lumps. Whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and corn syrup. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This softens the flour and thickens the top layer. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pecan mixture over the hot, partially baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes until the filling is set. The center should wobble slightly but not be runny.
- Cool and Cut: Cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Lift the bars from the pan, place on a cutting board, and use a serrated knife to cut into smaller bars.
Total Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 60-70 minutes Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutritional Information (per bar, estimated):
- Calories: ~300-350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~35-40 g
- Sugars: ~25-30 g
- Protein: ~3-4 g
- Fat: ~15-20 g
- Sodium: ~100-150 mg
Chef’s Tips:
- For an even layer of pecans, sprinkle them over the crust before pouring the liquid mixture.
- To prevent the crust from becoming too brown, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil during the final baking stage.
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week.
Enjoy these Pecan Pie Bars as a delightful alternative to traditional pecan pie, offering all the flavor in a convenient and portable form. Share this recipe with friends and family for a special treat that’s sure to please!
