Name: Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup light corn syrup; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

If you dream about the classic, gooey goodness of pecan pie but wish it was easier to share (and, let’s be honest, a bit less fussy to make), these Easy Pecan Pie Bars are the answer to your dessert prayers. Imagine all the sticky-sweet, nutty bliss of traditional pecan pie, transformed into buttery handheld squares with a melt-in-your-mouth crust and a rich, caramelized pecan topping. Whether you’re serving these at a family potluck, bringing them to a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself with a cup of afternoon coffee, these bars never disappoint. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why Easy Pecan Pie Bars have quickly become a must-have in every home baker’s repertoire.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Pecan Pie Bars is how straightforward the shopping list is, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering big flavors and the iconic texture. From the buttery base to the toasty crunch of pecans, here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the shortbread-like crust, offering a tender bite and structure for your bars.
Unsalted butter, softened: Infuses the base with rich flavor and ensures that irresistible crumbly texture.
Granulated sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness and helps the crust brown to a gentle golden hue.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Large eggs: Essential for binding and setting the silky, custard-like filling.
Light corn syrup: Gives the filling its signature glossy shine and that gooey, chewy consistency we love in pecan pie.
Packed brown sugar: Adds caramel notes that make the pecan filling incredibly rich and flavorful.
Vanilla extract: Lends warm, fragrant depth that ties every bite together.
Chopped pecans: The star of the show! Their crunch and buttery flavor create contrast and character in every square.

How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s good and hot by the time your bars are ready to bake. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang for easy removal later. This little step makes cutting and serving so much simpler — nothing sticks, and the bars come out perfectly clean every time.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry blender, fork, or even your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients. You’re going for a crumbly, sandy texture that holds together when pressed. Sprinkle this mixture into the bottom of your lined pan, then press it down firmly and evenly — the base for your Easy Pecan Pie Bars should be compact so it holds up to all that luscious filling.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Pop the crust into your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s looking just barely golden around the edges. This quick blind-baking gives you a strong, buttery base that won’t get soggy under the pecan topping, ensuring every square has that irresistible contrast of textures.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Pecan Filling

While your crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Take a moment to enjoy the aroma! Finally, fold in those glorious chopped pecans. The filling should look glossy and the pecans should be evenly dispersed — you want every bite of your Easy Pecan Pie Bars to be equally nutty and delicious.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Once the crust is out of the oven, carefully pour your pecan mixture evenly over the warm base. Use a spatula to nudge the pecans into each corner. Return the pan to the oven for another 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set in the middle and the top is burnished and fragrant. Give the bars plenty of cooling time at room temperature before slicing — this is key for that picture-perfect finish.

How to Serve Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Garnishes

Easy Pecan Pie Bars are standouts on their own, but if you want to get a little fancy, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled bars. For a show-stopping holiday touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is hard to beat.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with all sorts of cozy fall and winter flavors. Serve them alongside a simple fruit salad for brightness, or next to a cup of hot coffee — the nutty, caramel notes are especially delicious with a dark roast. For parties, arrange them on a dessert platter with brownies, lemon bars, and shortbread cookies for an irresistible mix of textures and tastes.

Creative Ways to Present

Change up the size and shape: cut your Easy Pecan Pie Bars into traditional squares for lunchboxes or bake sales, or into slim rectangles for an elegant dessert tray. Layer squares in cellophane bags with festive ribbon for edible gifts. Add a little handwritten note and you’ve got a homemade present that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your bars are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Put a piece of parchment between layers to stop them from sticking together — they’re honestly just as delicious (and maybe even a little more flavorful) the next day!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, Easy Pecan Pie Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and tuck them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to three months — just thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

Reheating

If you love a warm dessert, a quick zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds) brings that fresh-from-the-oven softness right back. For a slightly crisp edge, reheat the bars in a 300°F oven for about five minutes. Either way, that gooey, nutty topping springs to life again!

FAQs

Can I substitute dark corn syrup for light corn syrup?

Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will make the filling a bit richer and deeper in flavor, but it will still give you that chewy, classic texture. It’s a great way to vary the taste of your Easy Pecan Pie Bars for different occasions.

Are these bars gluten free?

As written, the recipe for Easy Pecan Pie Bars uses all-purpose flour, so they aren’t gluten free. However, you can try using your favorite one-to-one gluten free flour substitute for great results — just make sure it’s meant for baking.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Let the bars cool completely so the filling can set. Use the parchment paper to lift the slab out, then use a sharp knife (rinsed in hot water and wiped dry between cuts) for perfect, tidy edges every time.

Can I add chocolate to these?

You bet! Stir a handful of mini chocolate chips into the pecan mixture before baking, or drizzle melted chocolate atop the finished bars for an extra layer of decadence. Chocolate and pecans are a dreamy match in Easy Pecan Pie Bars.

How do I know when the filling is set?

Look for a golden, slightly shiny top and give the pan a gentle shake — the filling should barely jiggle in the center and will finish setting as it cools. Overbaking can make the bars too firm, so keep a close eye and trust your senses.

Final Thoughts

If you love easy, crowd-pleasing desserts, you owe it to yourself to make these Easy Pecan Pie Bars. They’re a surefire hit with everyone who tastes them and are so simple to pull together, you just might find yourself making them all year long. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new signature sweet treat!