Gooey Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Sweet Nutty Heaven: Easy Pecan Pie Delight Bars Recipe

Soft, buttery layers merge into a decadent pecan pie delight bars recipe that dance with caramel-like sweetness.

Golden crumbs blend seamlessly with rich, toasted pecans creating an irresistible dessert.

Warm baking aromas will fill your kitchen with nostalgic comfort.

Southern charm meets pure indulgence in every single bite.

These bars capture the essence of traditional pecan pie without the complexity of a full pastry.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of crunch and creamy texture.

Dive into this delightful treat that promises to become your new favorite dessert companion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 13

Pecan Pie Bars Ingredients to Start With

For Crust:
  • Refrigerated Pie Crusts: Brings flaky, buttery foundation to the dessert, choose pre-rolled crusts for convenience and consistent texture.
  • Baking Spray: Ensures effortless release and prevents sticking, opt for brands with flour blend for extra protection.
For Filling Base:
  • Corn Syrup: Delivers signature glossy sweetness and smooth consistency, select light corn syrup for classic golden color.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel undertones and rich moisture, prefer dark brown sugar for intense flavor complexity.
  • Eggs: Provides structural binding and silky texture, select fresh room-temperature eggs for optimal mixing.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm aromatic notes, choose pure extract over artificial versions.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens flavor depth, use fine kosher or sea salt for even distribution.
  • Melted Butter: Creates richness and smooth mouthfeel, select unsalted butter for precise flavor control.
For Topping:
  • Pecan Halves: Delivers crunchy texture and nutty complexity, select fresh, whole pecans with no signs of rancidity or discoloration.

Tools to Bake Pecan Pie Bars

  • 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized pecan pie bars.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending corn syrup, eggs, and other filling components until well mixed.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Sharp knife: Ideal for cutting cooled bars into neat squares.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Helpful for stirring and spreading ingredients evenly.

How to Bake Pecan Pie Bars Smoothly

  • Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a warm 350°F and get a spacious baking pan ready for the delicious treat.

  • Crust Foundation

Carefully spread the smooth pie dough across the pan’s bottom, creating a delicate base for the pecan magic.

  • Sweet Mixture

Blend corn syrup, sugary goodness, rich butter, eggs, and a splash of vanilla into a silky liquid. Fold in crunchy pecans until they’re dancing in the sweet sauce.

  • Baking Adventure

Pour the pecan mixture over the crust, watching it spread like a golden blanket. Slide the pan into the heated oven and let it transform for about 35 minutes until the top turns a beautiful caramel color.

  • Delightful Finish

Give the bars time to cool and settle. Once they’ve reached room temperature, slice into squares that reveal layers of nutty, caramel-like perfection.

Pecan Pie Bars Flavor Boost Ideas

  • Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or a mixed nut blend for a unique flavor profile and delightful crunch.
  • Sprinkle dark or milk chocolate chips into the filling for an indulgent, decadent touch that melts beautifully.
  • Drizzle a tablespoon of bourbon or maple syrup into the filling to elevate the rich, caramel-like taste of the bars.
  • Use gluten-free pie crust or substitute with an almond flour base for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Up Pecan Pie Bars at Any Event

  • Serve Alongside Creamy Delights: Pair these pecan pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience that balances the rich, nutty flavors.
  • Craft a Dessert Platter: Create an elegant dessert spread by arranging the bars with other sweet treats like chocolate truffles or fresh berries, making a stunning presentation that will impress guests.
  • Enjoy with Warm Beverages: Complement the sweet pecan bars with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or spiced chai tea to enhance the dessert's warm, comforting notes and create a delightful after-dinner treat.

Storage for Pecan Pie Bars That Last

  • Maximize Freshness: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Refrigerate for Longevity: Extend shelf life by placing bars in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where they'll stay delicious for up to 5-7 days.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.
  • Quick Serving Tip: Bring refrigerated or frozen bars to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their original soft texture and rich flavor.
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Gooey Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Gooey Pecan Pie Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Rich shortbread crusts cradle homemade pecan pie delight bars with buttery caramel notes and crunchy pecan clusters. Sweet Southern comfort emerges through delicate layers that invite dessert enthusiasts to savor classic flavors with modern bakery precision.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) pecan halves
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) packed brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (240 ml) light corn syrup
  • 1 package (16 oz/454 g) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Crust Placement: Layer pie crusts across the pan’s bottom, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets and trimming excess edges for a smooth finish.
  3. Filling Creation: Whisk corn syrup, dark brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and kosher salt in a large bowl until achieving a glossy, homogeneous texture.
  4. Pecan Integration: Gently fold pecan halves into the syrup mixture, ensuring comprehensive coating and even distribution throughout the liquid base.
  5. Baking Process: Pour the pecan-infused filling over the crust, spreading uniformly, then bake for 30-35 minutes until the surface turns golden-brown and the center sets without excessive jiggling.
  6. Cooling and Serving: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, which stabilizes the filling and facilitates clean cutting. Slice into precise squares or rectangular portions for elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Crust Tip: Press refrigerated pie crusts gently but firmly to avoid air pockets and ensure a smooth, even base for your bars.
  • Baking Alert: Watch the edges during baking to prevent over-browning; tent with aluminum foil if they start to darken too quickly.
  • Cooling Technique: Let bars cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours to achieve the perfect set and clean-cut slices.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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