How to Make Pecan Pie Bars: A Simple and Sweet Treat
If you enjoy the pecan pie that you have always taken, then Pecan Pie Bars are all that you require. These bite-sized bars contain all the wonderful flavors of the traditional pecan pies but are much easier to prepare and portion. Perfect for the holiday season or when that sweet tooth craving hits, these Pecan Pie Bars will be a big hit.
There is so much to love about Pecan Pie Bars including the fact that it has two layers of exceptional taste and feel. The base is a soft, flaky shortbread base that is rich from the butter but which is just softened from the addition of flour and which is sharp and short from the sugar used in it. This pastry makes for a rather diverse in terms of texture cake layered with a buttery crust and a sweet, tender, and nutty center. The bars are also easy to serve, making it possible to use the bars when preparing for potlucks, parties, or during the holidays.
Why Choose Pecan Pie Bars Over Traditional Pecan Pie?
Although an all-time sweet, during the holiday season, people prefer to make pecan pie, creating Pecan Pie Bars is faster, and more efficient. Just like with any other food, the advantage that is easily noticed is the ease of preparing the bars particularly if you are preparing for a large number of people. If you do not want to prepare a whole pie then you can make the Pecan Pie Bars in squares or rectangles to ensure each person has a neat slice.
There are 2 benefits to adoring Pecan Pie Bars: One, they’re versatile; Two, they are portable delight. In contrast to pecan pie which has to be skillfully cut and served right after preparation, Pecan Pie Bars can be cut before serving and are very convenient to take in a dish to parties, picnicking, or potlucks. This makes them very suitable when preparing for fusion potluck, picnics, or even school functions.
The Perfect Combination of Flavors in Pecan Pie Bars
This however does not in any way make Pecan Pie Bars less delicious because each of the ingredients compliments the other so well. The crust embraced is a butter shortbread, and only marginally sweetened thus it is an appropriate partner to the glossy pecan filling that is good. This layer is made of pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla and has a measure of goo that is very appealing and caramel.
The pecans used in this Pecan Pie Bars recipe are the best as it is chopped into fine pieces to give a perfect feel and a crunchy sensation in the mouth while eating. This is because the sweetness of the filling blends well with the nutty flavor of the pecans resulting in what I can recommend as a divine pair. As for those who would like to improve the taste of the bars, one may sprinkle cinnamon on the filling and it shall make the taste warmer.
A Versatile Dessert for Any Occasion
To some extent, not only are the Pecan Pie Bars tasty munching, but also very simple to alter in regards to their creation. They may be taken and used on any type of occasion such as family night supper, holidays, or baked goods sales. It need not be taken in the morning; though it can be, because when it is taken, it is best taken with a cup of coffee and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
They are also great homemade gifts: These Pecan Pie Bars— Thereupon, these pecan pie bars: Shape them into cookies, put them in a container resembling a tub or a box then turn them into an inspiring gift that you can give out to your friends and families during the holiday seasons.
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These yummy Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for Christmas, New Year, and any event you can imagine, or for any time of the year for that matter. They reside on a buttery shortbread base and give a gooey pecan layer with the pecan pie's sweet and buttery flavors but in a bar shape. These Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for any event or even just for snacking, these will surely satisfy your taste buds.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
- Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the shortbread crust: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup softened butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure it’s well packed and smooth.
Bake the crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake the crust for 20 minutes, or until it's lightly golden.
- Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the filling: In a large bowl, combine 3 eggs, 1 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Fold in the pecans: Add the chopped pecans (and cinnamon, if using) to the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pecan Pie Bars
Once the shortbread crust is done baking, pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot crust.
Bake the assembled bars for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch. The pecan filling should be golden brown and bubbling slightly at the edges.
Cool completely: Allow the Pecan Pie Bars to cool in the pan for at least 2 hours before cutting.
- Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once cooled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
Serve the Pecan Pie Bars as is or with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Servings 26
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 48mg2%
- Potassium 77mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 23g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 14g
- Protein 2g4%
- Vitamin A 340 IU
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- You can use dark corn syrup instead of light for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer, you can mix in whole pecans instead of chopped ones for more texture.