Pecan Pie Bars

The first time I made Pecan Pie Bars, I was captivated by the sweet aroma filling my kitchen as they baked. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, and the leaves were turning brilliant shades of orange and gold. I had gathered with friends for a cozy gathering, and I wanted to bring something special that would evoke the spirit of the season. These bars are a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie, offering all the rich flavors in an easy-to-serve format. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, I knew I had created something wonderful. The crust was perfectly flaky, and the pecan filling was gooey and caramel-like, inviting everyone to take a bite. Each square was a little piece of happiness, and they quickly became the star of our dessert table. I remember the smiling faces and the requests for seconds, and even thirds, as we all indulged in the divine sweetness of Pecan Pie Bars. Now, every fall, I find myself returning to this recipe, sharing it with loved ones and creating new memories around it. It truly embodies the warmth and joy of the season.

Ingredients Required for Pecan Pie Bars

To create truly delicious Pecan Pie Bars, you need a combination of simple yet fundamental ingredients that blend perfectly together. Each component plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The key players include a flaky pie crust, a sweet filling made with light brown sugar and honey, and, of course, the star ingredient: pecans. When combined, they create a rich, gooey treat that’s hard to resist.

• 1 sweet pie crust – You can use store-bought or make your own. This forms the base and gives a delightful crunch.
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar – This adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
• 1/3 cup honey – Provides additional sweetness and makes the filling rich and sticky.
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter – Brings richness and helps bind the filling together.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla – Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cream (optional) – Makes the filling creamier, though it can be omitted if desired.
• 2 eggs – Essential for binding the filling and creating that custardy texture.
• 2 cups pecans (whole or chopped) – The star ingredient that gives the bars their signature crunch and flavor.

The Process for Making Pecan Pie Bars

Making Pecan Pie Bars is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Follow these steps to create a perfect batch!

1. Start by preparing your pie crust. Roll it out and line a 9-inch baking pan with it. Press it gently to fit the shape of the pan, ensuring there are no air pockets beneath. This forms a solid base for your Pecan Pie Bars.
2. Next, preheat your oven to 420 degrees F (215 degrees C). This will help set the crust and give it a perfect texture.
3. Use a fork to pierce the crust. This step is essential as it prevents the crust from puffing up while baking. You want it to cook evenly and maintain its shape.
4. Prebake the crust for about 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to set but not become too golden. It should be firm to the touch when you take it out.
5. Let the crust cool for a few minutes. You can speed up this process by placing it in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
6. While the crust cools, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, light brown sugar, and honey. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes.
7. Once melted, remove the pan from heat and pour the mixture into a cold bowl. This helps it cool down quickly, which is important for the next steps.
8. Add vanilla, salt, and cream to the mixture, whisking well until combined.
9. Now, it’s time to add the eggs. Add them one at a time to the cooled mixture, whisking continuously to ensure they blend smoothly without cooking. This step is crucial to achieving the right texture.
10. Add in the pecans and toss them with the mixture until they’re well coated. This ensures that every bite has that delicious nutty flavor.
11. Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
12. Decrease the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes. You want them to set, so look for a firm texture without any jiggle.
13. After baking, let the Pecan Pie Bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before slicing into squares. You can also cool them in the fridge or freezer if you’re in a hurry.
14. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve. Enjoy the delicious richness of these bars with friends and family!

Things Worth Knowing

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are countless ways to make Pecan Pie Bars your own. Here are some ideas:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Refrigerate for a slightly different texture.
• Freezing: Yes, these bars can be frozen! Once cooled, wrap each square in plastic wrap and store them in a ziplock bag for up to three months.
• Flavor variations: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for added warmth.
• Nut options: Feel free to substitute pecans with other nuts based on your preference or dietary needs.
• Serving suggestions: Pair these bars with whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a decadent dessert.

What Complements This Pecan Pie Bars

• Seasonal desserts: These bars are perfect as a sweet treat for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.
• Great for gatherings: Serve them at potlucks or parties where you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
• Pair with coffee: A cup of coffee or espresso enhances the nutty flavors of the bars.
• Storage tips: Keep them in a cool, dry place, well-covered, to maintain freshness.
• Perfect alongside: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

FAQ

Conclusion

The magic of Pecan Pie Bars lies in their combination of rich flavors and the nostalgia they evoke. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just enjoying a cozy night in, these bars are the perfect companion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it! Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the sweet aroma of these delightful treats filling your home.

Pecan Pie Bars

The ultimate comfort food for fall gatherings, Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery crust with a gooey pecan filling. These delicious bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing. Indulge in their rich flavors tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 230

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 crust sweet pie crust store bought or homemade
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup honey
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon cream optional
• 2 eggs eggs
• 2 cups pecans whole or chopped

Equipment

• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Roll the crust and line a 9 inch baking pan with it.
2. Preheat the oven to 420 degrees F.
3. Use a fork to pierce the crust so that it doesn’t rise during baking.
4. Prebake the crust for 15-18 minutes only until it sets, but not fully golden.
5. Remove the crust and let it cool.
6. In a medium saucepan, add butter, light brown sugar, and honey.
7. Cook them over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved: this takes about 2 minutes.
8. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture into a cold bowl.
9. Add vanilla, salt, and cream. Whisk them well.
10. Add the eggs when the mixture has cooled slightly (3 minutes later) and whisk it in, one at a time.
11. Finally, add in the pecans and toss them with the mixture.
12. Pour the pecan honey mix right over the cooled crust.
13. Drop the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
14. Bake the pecan pie bars for 30-35 minutes until the filling has set and no longer jiggles.
15. Cool the pecan pie bars in the pan for 30 minutes before attempting to slice them.
16. When they have cooled down, slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes

Have your Pie Dough prepared in advance, it keeps in the freezer and fridge for a while. Alternatively you can use store bought.
Pre-baking the crust at high temperature before adding the filling ensures the crust never gets soggy.
Likewise, waiting for 10 minutes for the caramel to cool before adding it over the crust is important to avoid a soggy crust.
When making the pecan pie filling, make sure to dissolve the sugar and honey and butter together. Otherwise, the filling will have a gritty texture.

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Meet Lucy Bennett

I’m passionate about food that brings people together. I love creating recipes that are vibrant, flavorful, and easy to share. I’ve cooked and tested this dish in my own kitchen to make sure it works perfectly for you. Enjoy!