Pecan Pie Bars are a beautifully crafted alternative to the traditional pecan pie, offering a deliciously rich flavor profile in a handheld format. These bars showcase the sweet and nutty essence of pecans, balanced perfectly with hints of maple syrup and vanilla, giving you a warm and inviting aroma as they bake. Their crispy, buttery crust complements the rich filling, creating a lovely texture that just melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy afternoon treat, these Pecan Pie Bars are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether paired with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on their own, they are the epitome of comfort food.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your crust, providing structure.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the crust.
• 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans: Contributes a nutty flavor and texture to the crust.
• 1 cup butter, room temperature: A key ingredient for a rich, buttery crust.
• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed: Infuses the filling with a deep caramel flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness in the filling.
• 4 large eggs: Help bind the filling together for the ideal texture.
• 1 1/4 cups light or dark corn syrup: The main sweetener in the filling, providing moisture and sweetness.
• 1/4 cup maple syrup: Adds a distinct flavor and sweetness to the filling.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Introduces a warming flavor to the filling.
• 3 cups chopped pecans: The star of the show, offering crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and finely chopped pecans.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Sprinkle the crust mixture evenly in the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 baking dish. Pat down firmly to create an even layer.
5. Bake the crust for 18 to 22 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. While the crust is baking, prepare the pie filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and salt, then add the eggs and vanilla, stirring until well combined.
7. Gradually whisk in the corn syrup and maple syrup until fully incorporated. Fold in the chopped pecans.
8. Pour the filling over the hot crust immediately after it comes out of the oven.
9. Bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted one inch from the edge comes out clean.
10. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 24 squares
• Calories: Approximately 250 per square

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. When cutting the bars, use a sharp knife for clean edges.
• Storage: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncut bars for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing.
• Variations: For a different flavor, swap some of the chopped pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of nut?
A: Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.

Q: How long do these bars last?
A: Pecan Pie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! They are great to make a day or two in advance.

Q: What do I serve these bars with?
A: They can be enjoyed alone or served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Q: Can I use less sugar?
A: Reducing the sugar may alter the texture and sweetness, but you can experiment with it.

Q: Is it necessary to refrigerate before cutting?
A: Yes, chilling helps them set and makes them easier to cut into squares.

People Also Ask

Q: Are pecan pie bars gluten-free?
A: No, as they are made with all-purpose flour, but gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.

Q: Can I add chocolate to pecan pie bars?
A: Yes, folding in chocolate chips with the pecans can create a delicious variation.

Q: What is the best way to cut these bars?
A: Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat squares.

Q: Can I leave out the maple syrup?
A: You can replace it with more corn syrup if necessary, but it will change the flavor slightly.

Q: How do you know when the bars are done?
A: Insert a knife into the filling; it should come out clean when fully baked.

Q: What occasions are good for serving pecan pie bars?
A: They are perfect for holidays, gatherings, and desserts anytime you want something special.

Conclusion

Give these Pecan Pie Bars a try and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures they offer. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, these bars will undoubtedly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your results and experiences with others. Happy baking!

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Pie Bars are a wonderfully delicious handheld version of traditional pecan pie, featuring a rich filling with a crispy buttery crust, perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 24 squares

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the crust

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour This forms the base of your crust, providing structure.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness to the crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavors of the crust.
• 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans Contributes a nutty flavor and texture to the crust.
• 1 cup butter, room temperature A key ingredient for a rich, buttery crust.

For the filling

• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed Infuses the filling with a deep caramel flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness in the filling.
• 4 large eggs Help bind the filling together for the ideal texture.
• 1 1/4 cups light or dark corn syrup The main sweetener in the filling, providing moisture.
• 1/4 cup maple syrup Adds a distinct flavor and sweetness to the filling.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Introduces a warming flavor to the filling.
• 3 cups chopped pecans The star of the show, offering crunch and flavor.

See also  Holiday Orange Glow Snack Squares

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and finely chopped pecans.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Sprinkle the crust mixture evenly in the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 baking dish. Pat down firmly to create an even layer.
5. Bake the crust for 18 to 22 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Filling Preparation

1. While the crust is baking, prepare the pie filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and salt, then add the eggs and vanilla, stirring until well combined.
2. Gradually whisk in the corn syrup and maple syrup until fully incorporated. Fold in the chopped pecans.

Baking

1. Pour the filling over the hot crust immediately after it comes out of the oven.
2. Bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted one inch from the edge comes out clean.
3. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcal

Notes

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. When cutting the bars, use a sharp knife for clean edges. Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Freezing: You can freeze uncut bars for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing. For a different flavor, swap some of the chopped pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

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