Easy Pecan Pie Bars

If you love the rich, nutty sweetness of pecan pie but want a more portable and easier-to-make version, Pecan Pie Bars are the answer! These bars have all the delicious flavors of a traditional pecan pie—crunchy, buttery pecans paired with a sweet caramel-like filling— but in a convenient, easy-to-serve form. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a favorite dessert!

Ingredients for Easy Pecan Pie Bars

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1 large egg yolk
2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the Pecan Filling:

1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Make the Crust

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water. Mix until the dough starts to come together. If it’s too dry, add the remaining tablespoon of ice water.
Press into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Use a fork to prick a few holes in the crust to prevent bubbling.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Filling

Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Pour the Filling: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the pecan filling evenly over the crust.
Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Cool Completely: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Slice into Bars: Once the pecan pie bars are completely cool, slice them into squares or rectangles.
Serve: Serve these delicious bars at room temperature or chilled. They’re perfect for a party, picnic, or as an after-dinner treat!

Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars to prevent the filling from overbaking and becoming too firm.
Chop Pecans Coarsely: For the best texture, chop the pecans into large pieces so they don’t overpower the filling.

Variations

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate into the filling for a decadent twist.
Maple Pecan Bars: Substitute the corn syrup with maple syrup for a deep, maple flavor.
Add a Touch of Cinnamon: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.

These Easy Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect combination of rich, nutty pecans and a sweet, gooey filling, all on a buttery, flaky crust. Whether for a holiday dessert, family gathering, or just a sweet treat, they’re sure to be a hit!