I’m Beatriz from MommiesMore, and like many of you, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious recipes that don’t keep me chained to the kitchen. That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Gooey Pecan Pie Bars. These bars bring all the warm, comforting flavors of pecan pie but are much simpler and faster to make.
I still remember my first attempt at a pecan pie. It was Thanksgiving, I was overwhelmed, and the crust… well, it was more like cardboard than pastry! That’s when I decided there had to be a better way to get that comforting pecan flavor without all the fuss. That’s how my journey started to make the perfect Gooey Pecan Pie Bars.
The kids went wild for them! My son even said they were “better than Grandma’s pie” (sorry, Mom!). What surprised me most was how easily I could customize them – a little caramel here, a sprinkle of sea salt there. Every batch of these Gooey Pecan Pie Bars disappeared in minutes.
If you’re a busy mom in search of a sanity-saving comfort food recipe that your whole family will adore, you’ve found it. Let’s get started on these easy pecan pie bars! I promise, these Gooey Pecan Pie Bars are a dinnertime game changer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious Gooey Pecan Pie Bars:
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
- For the Gooey Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves or pieces
Trust me, this Gooey Pecan Pie Bars ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. I always grab an extra bag of pecans because my kids love snacking on them.
No worries if you don’t have light brown sugar – I use dark brown sugar for a richer, more molasses-y flavor in my Gooey Pecan Pie Bars. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust; it gives it a warm, cozy flavor.
These Gooey Pecan Pie Bars prove that delicious doesn’t mean expensive or fancy. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and happy faces – that’s what we’re aiming for! A comfort hack I’ve learned is to measure out all the ingredients before starting. For even more delicious and stress-free recipes, visit MommiesMore.
Let’s Make It Happen!
Alright, let’s get baking! These instructions are written like we’re cooking together, so don’t worry, I’m right here with you. I hope these easy pecan pie bars become a family favorite.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Gooey Pecan Pie Bars usually takes about 40 minutes to bake. It’s the perfect amount of time to help kids with homework!
- 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. Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix! Here’s where I used to struggle with my Gooey Pecan Pie Bars – learn from my experience!
- Press the crust into the prepared pan. Use your fingers to evenly press the dough into the bottom of the pan. Dock the crust with a fork (poke holes all over) to prevent it from puffing up while baking.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. While the crust is baking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Also, a perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Make the Gooey Pecan Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Fold in the pecan halves or pieces.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust. Spread it evenly over the crust. Your Gooey Pecan Pie Bars should smell amazing by now!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. Don’t worry if your Gooey Pecan Pie Bars looks a little jiggly in the center – it will set as it cools.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is crucial for that perfect gooey texture!
Here is a comfort hack I found: cutting the bars when they are chilled from the fridge will give you the cleanest cut!
How We Love to Eat This!
Now for the best part – enjoying your Gooey Pecan Pie Bars! These bars are incredibly versatile and perfect for so many occasions.
The kids devour this comforting Gooey Pecan Pie Bars when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They think it’s the ultimate treat! These pecan bars recipe are also great with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
These Gooey Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I often make a batch on Sunday and pack them in the kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet treat during the week. Consider making a batch of caramel pecan pie bars for an extra-special treat.
For a simple dessert, I will sometimes add chocolate chips to the pecan mixture. I love to serve these Gooey Pecan Pie Bars at potlucks because everyone always raves about them.
Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To change it up you can also add caramel and make caramel pecan pie bars!
Here’s a comfort hack: Warm up a bar in the microwave for a few seconds for an extra gooey experience.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions, so let’s get to them! I’m here to help you feel confident and comfortable in the kitchen. I’ve learned so much about cooking and I love to share my journey.
Is this Gooey Pecan Pie Bars really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The combination of the buttery crust and the rich, pecan-packed filling makes these bars surprisingly satisfying. I often serve them as part of a larger dessert spread, but they can definitely stand alone as a sweet treat after dinner.
What if my picky eater won’t try these Gooey Pecan Pie Bars?
Ah, the picky eater challenge! My advice is to start small. Offer a tiny sliver and don’t pressure them to eat more. You can also try adding a familiar flavor, like chocolate chips, to make it more appealing.
Can I meal prep these Gooey Pecan Pie Bars for busy weeks ahead?
Yes, you absolutely can! These bars store really well. I often bake a batch on Sunday and they’re perfect for school lunches and after-school snacks all week long.
Can I use pre-made pie crust to save time?
While I always prefer the taste of homemade crust, I understand the need for shortcuts! You can definitely use a store-bought pie crust to make these even easier. Just make sure it’s thawed and ready to go. This will also allow the process for making these easy pecan pie bars even easier.
What can I substitute if I have a nut allergy?
If you have a nut allergy in your family, you can try substituting the pecans with sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds). It won’t be quite the same flavor, but it will still be delicious and allergy-friendly.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
The key to preventing a soggy crust is to blind bake it before adding the filling. This means baking the crust on its own for a bit to help it set up and become crisp. This step is included in the recipe!
Can I freeze these Gooey Pecan Pie Bars?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw them completely before serving.
For more information on Gooey Pecan Pie Bars, here is a wonderful link for you to visit: Gooey Pecan Pie Bars with a Shortbread Crust – Cloudy Kitchen
Final Thoughts:
These Gooey Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to bring comfort and joy to your family’s table. They’re a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Here are my Gooey Pecan Pie Bars Comfort Hacks:
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: This enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of sophistication.
- Use browned butter: Brown the butter for the filling before melting it. This adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that takes these bars to the next level.
- Don’t overbake: The bars should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
Here are a few family-tested variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the pecan filling.
- Caramel Pecan Pie Bars: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked bars before cutting them.
- Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Substitute maple syrup for some of the brown sugar and add a generous pinch of sea salt. If you enjoy Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars check out more Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars.
My son loves the chocolate version, while my daughter prefers the classic recipe. I love them all! I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find what your family loves best. For more dessert inspiration, explore these easy pecan pie bars.
I hope you and your family enjoy these satisfying Gooey Pecan Pie Bars as much as we do. Happy baking! For a recipe on another amazing version of these best pecan pie bars visit: Ooey Gooey, Easy Pecan Pie Bars – Butter Be Ready
Remember, cooking for your family is an act of love. So, take a deep breath, put on some music, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and comforting! These gooey pecan squares are sure to please anyone.
Gooey Pecan Pie Bars
These Gooey Pecan Pie Bars are a delectable twist on classic pecan pie, offering a convenient and perfectly portioned treat. The buttery shortbread crust and rich, gooey pecan filling create an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup corn syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ 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 ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Press the dough into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, extending up the sides slightly.
- 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 melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour the filling over the partially baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
- Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper and cutting into bars.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle the bars with melted chocolate after they’ve cooled.