Okay, let’s chat, mamas!
Have you ever craved that warm, gooey, nutty goodness of pecan pie but didn’t want to deal with the whole pie-making process? I totally get it! That’s where my Pecan Pie Bars come in to save the day. They are a slice of pecan pie heaven, simplified for our busy lives.
I remember the first time I made these Pecan Pie Bars. It was a complete whim! My youngest, Leo, was going through a serious “pecan phase”– wanting them on everything! I was looking for a way to give him the flavors he loved, without spending all day in the kitchen. I stumbled upon a recipe, tweaked it (as I always do!) to fit my pantry staples, and crossed my fingers. The verdict? These Pecan Pie Bars were an instant hit! My oldest, Olivia, who usually shies away from desserts, devoured two! It became clear that these simple Pecan Pie Bars were a comfort food win for everyone.
These Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to bring a little comfort and sweetness to those hectic days. My cooking journey is all about finding ways to create joy without adding stress, and this recipe embodies that perfectly. It is that warm hug you can taste!
Hey, fellow comfort seekers! Are you tired of complicated recipes and long hours in the kitchen? Then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into making these incredibly easy and satisfying Pecan Pie Bars.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Okay, mamas, grab your aprons! This Pecan Pie Bars recipe uses simple ingredients we probably already have. No need for fancy trips to specialty stores. Remember, this is about comfort and ease!
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our shortbread crust.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cold butter is key to a flaky crust.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness for the crust.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 4 tablespoons ice water: Helps bind the dough together.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: This is where the caramelly goodness comes from in our Pecan Pie Bars.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the filling.
- ¼ cup corn syrup: Helps create that gooey texture.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the filling and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that classic pecan pie flavor!
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups pecan halves: The stars of the show!
Trust me, this Pecan Pie Bars ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! No worries if you are out of corn syrup! I have used honey for extra comfort in my Pecan Pie Bars. I find it to be a fantastic substitute!
You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store! This Pecan Pie Bars proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling. Cinnamon adds warmth to this classic dessert!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get baking! These Pecan Pie Bars come together quickly and easily. I’ll walk you through each step like we’re cooking together!
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is important for a tender crust. Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
- Press the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use my fingers to make sure it’s nice and even. Prick the crust all over with a fork. This prevents it from puffing up while baking.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This step sets the crust and prevents it from getting soggy.
- Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Add the Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust. Spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. Your Pecan Pie Bars should smell amazing by now!
- Cool Completely: Let the Pecan Pie Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important for clean cuts and to allow the filling to set properly. Patience is key!
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Pecan Pie Bars recipe usually takes about an hour from start to finish. It is a perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch while it bakes! Don’t worry if your Pecan Pie Bars looks a little jiggly when you take it out of the oven; it will firm up as it cools.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Pecan Pie Bars – I’d always overbake the crust! Learn from my experience and keep a close eye on it. While your Pecan Pie Bars is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!
How We Love to Eat This!
These Pecan Pie Bars are a hit no matter how we serve them, but here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy them!
The kids devour this comforting Pecan Pie Bars when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warm, gooey bars perfectly!
This Pecan Pie Bars is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! They’re also great for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday gatherings. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
I like to cut them into squares for easy serving. Sometimes, I drizzle them with a little melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.
If we have any leftovers (which is rare!), I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re just as delicious the next day!
During the fall, I love to add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to the filling for a seasonal twist.
My friend Sarah raved about how delicious and easy these Pecan Pie Bars were when I brought them to her house for Thanksgiving. She even asked for the recipe!
For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars for other delicious and simple bar dessert recipes.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Okay, mamas, let’s tackle some common questions about these Pecan Pie Bars!
Is this Pecan Pie Bars really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The pecans and brown sugar provide sustained energy. Serve with a glass of milk for a balanced snack.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Pecan Pie Bars? Try cutting them into fun shapes using cookie cutters! The novelty might entice them to take a bite.
Can I meal prep this Pecan Pie Bars for busy weeks ahead? Yes! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I freeze these Easy Pecan Pie Bars? Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
Can I use a different type of nut? While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
My filling is too runny. What did I do wrong? Make sure you’re measuring the ingredients accurately. Also, be sure to bake the bars long enough for the filling to set. If you are looking for a recipe that does not have a runny filling, check out Gooey Pecan Pie Bars with a Shortbread Crust – Cloudy Kitchen and Addictive Pecan Pie Bars | Cleobuttera.
Can I add bourbon to these bars? Absolutely! Check out this recipe for Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust.
Final Thoughts:
These Pecan Pie Bars support my family’s comfort food goals because they’re easy to make, satisfying, and always a hit with everyone. They bring a touch of sweetness to our busy days!
My Pecan Pie Bars Comfort Hacks:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for extra warmth.
- Use honey instead of corn syrup for a slightly different flavor.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.
Here are a few family-tested Pecan Pie Bars variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add chocolate chips to the filling.
- Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce after baking.
- Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup.
Leo loves the classic version, while Olivia prefers the chocolate version. I’m partial to the salted caramel version!
I hope you make this recipe your own way! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. My hope is that this recipe brings a little comfort and joy to your family’s mealtime. You can make simple desserts that are comforting and delicious!
Go ahead, give these satisfying Pecan Pie Bars a try! You might just discover your new go-to dessert. 💕
Pecan Pie Bars
These Pecan Pie Bars offer all the rich, nutty flavor of classic pecan pie in a convenient and portable bar form. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple sweet treat any time of year!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-5 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Press the dough into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork.
- Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
For a richer flavor, toast the pecan halves before adding them to the filling. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.