Southern Pecan Pie Bars: A Warm, Nutty Hug in Every Bite

Okay, here we go! Let’s dive into a recipe that feels like a warm hug – Southern Pecan Pie Bars!

When I think about simple, comforting desserts, nothing beats the taste of pecan pie. But let’s be honest, who has time for all that crust fuss? That’s where these Southern Pecan Pie Bars come in! I remember the first time I made these. My youngest declared them “better than Grandma’s pie!” It was a definite win in my book!

These little gems became a family favorite so quickly. They are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply as a sweet treat after a long day. What makes these Southern Pecan Pie Bars so special? They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver that classic pecan pie flavor we all crave.

The best part? You don’t have to be a master baker to achieve gooey, nutty perfection. Seriously, if I can do it with a toddler clinging to my leg, you can definitely do it too! These Southern Pecan Pie Bars are my sanity-saving comfort food when I need something sweet without the stress.

Ready to bring a little comfort into your kitchen? Join me, fellow comfort seekers, as we create these irresistible Southern Pecan Pie Bars. Let’s make some magic happen, one bar at a time!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s the cozy ingredient list for our Southern Pecan Pie Bars. Don’t worry, nothing fancy here, just simple ingredients that bring comfort to every bite.

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This is the key to a tender, buttery crust.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the shortbread base.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of our shortbread crust.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 cup packed light brown sugar: Gives the pecan filling its rich, caramel-like flavor.
1/2 cup light corn syrup: Helps create that gooey, irresistible texture.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness to the pecan filling.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
3 large eggs: Binds the filling together.
2 cups pecan halves: The star of the show!
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the filling.

Trust me, this Southern 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.

Comfort-focused ingredient swaps? No worries if you don’t have light corn syrup. I use honey for extra comfort and a slightly different flavor profile in my Southern Pecan Pie Bars. It adds a lovely floral note that my family loves. This Southern Pecan Pie Bars proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, either! I often buy pecans in bulk to save money.

My family gets extra comfort when I add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. It elevates the Southern Pecan Pie Bars with a sweet and salty contrast that’s absolutely divine. Here’s a Southern Pecan Pie Bars comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: prepare the shortbread crust the night before! It saves so much time the next day.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Time to roll up our sleeves and get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious Southern Pecan Pie Bars in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I always line mine with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, for easy removal of the Southern Pecan Pie Bars.
Make the Shortbread Crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. The mixture will be crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. While it’s baking, it’s a perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Don’t worry if your Southern Pecan Pie Bars crust looks a little uneven. It will all come together in the end.
Prepare the Pecan Filling: While the crust is baking, in a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup (or honey), melted butter, vanilla extract, eggs, and salt. Mix well until everything is smooth. Stir in the pecan halves.
Pour and Bake: Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the warm, pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. Your Southern Pecan Pie Bars should smell amazing by now!
Cool and Cut: Let the Southern Pecan Pie Bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is crucial for getting clean cuts and preventing the filling from being too gooey. I usually let them cool for at least two hours.
Enjoy!: Once cooled, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and cut the bars into squares. Serve and enjoy your comforting Southern Pecan Pie Bars!

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Southern Pecan Pie Bars – overbaking the crust! Now I set a timer and check it frequently. Learn from my experience! In my busy kitchen, this comforting Southern Pecan Pie Bars usually takes about an hour from start to finish, including baking time. While your Southern Pecan Pie Bars is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! If you want to try another version of this recipe, you can find it here.

How We Love to Eat This!

Our family enjoys these Southern Pecan Pie Bars in so many ways! They’re perfect for a simple dessert after dinner, but we also love them as an afternoon snack or a sweet treat in lunchboxes.

The kids devour this comforting Southern Pecan Pie Bars when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream with the warm, gooey pecan filling is a match made in heaven! For a more sophisticated pairing, I love to enjoy these Southern Pecan Pie Bars with a cup of coffee or tea.

These Southern Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! They’re also a hit at potlucks and gatherings. Presentation matters! I like to arrange these gooey pecan bars on a pretty platter and dust them with a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Leftovers? If there are any, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually disappear within a day or two! Guest reactions are always positive. Friends often ask for the recipe after trying these Southern Pecan Pie Bars. It is so similar to Caramel Pecan Pie Bars you won’t even tell the difference.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get about these Southern Pecan Pie Bars. I hope these answers help you feel confident and ready to bake!

Is this Southern Pecan Pie Bars really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The pecans provide healthy fats and protein, making these bars a satisfying treat.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Southern Pecan Pie Bars? Start by offering a small bite. You can also try adding a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top to make it more appealing.
Can I meal prep this Southern Pecan Pie Bars for busy weeks ahead? Yes! You can bake the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They also freeze well.
Can I use pre-made shortbread crust to save time? While I prefer the taste of homemade crust, you can definitely use a store-bought shortbread crust in a pinch. Just make sure it fits the 9×13 inch pan.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy? Make sure to pre-bake the crust before adding the pecan filling. This creates a barrier that prevents the filling from seeping into the crust.
Can I add chocolate chips to the pecan filling? Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to these Southern Pecan Pie Bars. I recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a balanced flavor.
What if I don’t have pecan halves? Can I use chopped pecans? Yes, chopped pecans work just fine. Just make sure to use the same amount (2 cups). These gooey pecan bars are just wonderful, especially with the right amount of chopped pecans.

These Southern Pecan Pie Bars have been a huge hit with my family, and I’ve received so many questions from other moms who want to try them. For more helpful tips you can join this Facebook group. Pecan pie bar recipe with sweet and salty flavor

Final Thoughts:

These Southern Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a symbol of comfort, love, and simple joys. They support my family’s comfort food goals by providing a delicious, satisfying treat without requiring hours in the kitchen.

My Southern Pecan Pie Bars Comfort Hacks:

Prepare the crust ahead of time: This saves so much time on busy days.
Add a pinch of sea salt: It enhances the sweetness and creates a delicious contrast.
Don’t overbake the crust: Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from becoming too dry.

Family-tested Southern Pecan Pie Bars variations? My oldest loves them with chocolate chips, while my youngest prefers them plain. My husband enjoys a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a version that your family will love. I hope these Southern Pecan Pie Bars bring your family as much joy and comfort as they bring mine.

Baking these Southern Pecan Pie Bars are such a simple recipe! You can also find this amazing recipe here.

And you can even try this one. Gooey Pecan Pie Bars with a Shortbread Crust – Cloudy Kitchen

Finally, just enjoy these pecan pie squares and enjoy more versions of this recipe here.

I can’t wait for you to try it! 😊

Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Print Recipe

These Southern Pecan Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of pecan pie in a convenient and delicious bar form. With a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion.

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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
3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup corn syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups pecan halves

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Instructions

Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together 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, 1 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, and bake 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 brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
Stir in the pecan halves.
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

Serve these pecan pie bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.