Pecan pie bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the buttery richness of pecan pie with the convenience of a bar. These sweet treats feature a buttery shortbread crust that is topped with a gooey, caramel-like filling packed with chopped pecans. The bars are then baked until golden and set, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
One of the great things about pecan pie bars is that they can be made in advance and stored for several days, making them a perfect option for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want to treat yourself to a decadent dessert. Whether enjoyed on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these pecan pie bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
The Pecan Pie Bars recipe requires several ingredients to create its delicious flavors and textures. The main ingredients include:
- Shortbread Crust – The base of the bars is made with a buttery and crumbly shortbread crust.
- Pecans – The star of the recipe, pecans add a nutty and crunchy texture to the bars.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar is used to sweeten both the crust and the pecan filling.
- Butter – Unsalted butter is an essential ingredient that adds richness to the bars.
- Corn Syrup – Corn syrup is used to give the pecan filling its gooey and sticky texture.
- Eggs – Eggs help bind and set the filling, giving the bars a firm and custard-like consistency.
- Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the bars and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Salt – A pinch of salt is added to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
These ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and richness in the Pecan Pie Bars. Each component plays a crucial role in the recipe, resulting in a delectable dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pecan Pie Bars
To make delicious Pecan Pie Bars, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in 1 cup of cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, using the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle 2 cups of pecan halves or pieces on top of the filling, arranging them in a single layer.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pecans are lightly toasted.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or bars.
Enjoy these delicious Pecan Pie Bars as a sweet treat or serve them at your next gathering!
Tips from Professional Chefs on Making Pecan Pie Bars
When it comes to making delicious Pecan Pie Bars, professional chefs have a few key tips to ensure success. Here are their expert recommendations:
- Use a high-quality pie crust: A good crust is the foundation of any great pecan pie bar. Opt for a homemade crust or a store-bought one made with real ingredients. This will ensure a buttery and flaky base for your bars.
- Toast the pecans: Before adding the pecans to the filling, toast them in a skillet over low heat. This will enhance their flavor and give them a nice crunch in the final bars. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- Add a touch of bourbon: For an extra layer of deliciousness, consider adding a splash of bourbon to the filling. The warm and rich notes of bourbon pair perfectly with the sweet and nutty flavors of the pecan pie bars. Just remember to use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
- Bake with caution: Pecan pie bars have a delicate balance between being set and gooey. To achieve the perfect texture, bake the bars until the edges are golden brown and the center is set with a slight jiggle. Overbaking can result in dry bars, while underbaking will make them too runny.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering Pecan Pie Bars that will impress any crowd. Enjoy!
Reviews
I recently had the opportunity to try the Pecan Pie Bars recipe, and I must say, it was a delightful experience. The bars were incredibly easy to make, thanks to the detailed instructions provided. I followed the recipe step-by-step, and the final result was absolutely delicious.
The crust of the pecan pie bars was buttery and had a nice crunch to it. It perfectly complemented the gooey and rich pecan filling on top. The filling had just the right amount of sweetness, and the pecans added a delightful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. The combination of the crust and the filling created a mouthwatering treat that was hard to resist.
What I particularly liked about this recipe is that it allowed me to enjoy the flavors of a traditional pecan pie in a convenient and portable form. The bars were easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack on the go. They were also a hit at a recent family gathering, where everyone couldn’t get enough of them.
In conclusion, the Pecan Pie Bars recipe is a winner in my book. It is simple to make, yet it delivers on taste and texture. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your coffee or a dessert to impress your guests, these bars should definitely be on your list. I highly recommend giving them a try!
As a real fan of pecans, I was excited to try the Pecan Pie Bars recipe. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The crust was buttery and flaky, providing the perfect foundation for the gooey pecan filling. It had just the right amount of sweetness, not overpowering but still satisfyingly indulgent. The pecans themselves were toasted to perfection, adding a delightful crunch to each bite. These bars were incredibly easy to make and are an absolute crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait to make them again for my friends and family!
One of the things I loved most about these Pecan Pie Bars was how portable they are. Unlike traditional pecan pie, which can be a bit messy to serve and eat, these bars were a neat and tidy treat. I could easily pick one up and enjoy it on the go, making them perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where finger food is appreciated. The recipe yielded a generous amount, so I had plenty to share and still had some left for myself to savor throughout the week.
Another aspect that impressed me was the balance of flavors in these bars. The sweetness of the caramelized pecan filling perfectly complemented the slightly salty crust, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. The recipe called for a touch of vanilla extract, which added a subtle depth to the overall flavor profile. I highly recommend trying these Pecan Pie Bars if you’re a fan of pecan pie or simply looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. They are sure to be a hit!
I recently tried the Pecan Pie Bars and they exceeded my expectations. The combination of the sweet and gooey filling with the crunchy pecans on top was absolutely irresistible. The crust was perfectly buttery and served as a delicious base for the pecan filling. I also appreciated the generous amount of pecans used in the recipe, as they added a nice texture and nutty flavor to each bite.
One thing that really stood out to me was how well-balanced the sweetness of the bars was. Sometimes, desserts can be overly sweet and overpowering, but these Pecan Pie Bars had just the right amount of sweetness, allowing the natural flavors of the pecans to shine through. I also appreciated the fact that they weren’t overly dense or heavy, making them the perfect treat to enjoy any time of the day.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Pecan Pie Bars to anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying dessert. Whether you’re a fan of pecan pie or just looking for a new and unique dessert to try, these bars are sure to impress. I can’t wait to make them again and share them with my family and friends!
As a lover of pecan pie, I was excited to try these Pecan Pie Bars. They did not disappoint! The crust was buttery and crumbly, the perfect base for the sweet and gooey pecan filling. The bars were easy to slice and held their shape well, making them great for serving at parties or gatherings. The combination of the crunchy pecans and the sticky caramel-like filling was simply divine. They were also not overly sweet, which I appreciated. These Pecan Pie Bars are a wonderful alternative to traditional pecan pie, and I will definitely be making them again.
Another thing I loved about these Pecan Pie Bars is how versatile they are. While they are delicious on their own, they can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. I also found that they were the perfect size for packing in lunch boxes or enjoying as an afternoon snack. The bars stayed fresh for several days, although they didn’t last that long in my house!
The recipe for these Pecan Pie Bars was clear and easy to follow, even for someone who is not an experienced baker. The ingredients were all readily available and affordable. The only downside was that they took a bit of time to prepare, as the crust needed to be chilled before baking. However, the end result was definitely worth the wait. I would highly recommend these Pecan Pie Bars to anyone who loves pecan pie or is looking for a delicious and portable dessert.
The Pecan Pie Bars are absolutely delicious! I recently made them for a family gathering and they were a huge hit. The combination of the crumbly crust and the gooey pecan filling is simply heavenly. The bars have just the right amount of sweetness, not too overwhelming but enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. The pecans add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the bars. I love how easy they are to make, especially compared to a traditional pecan pie. The recipe is straightforward and the ingredients are readily available. I can see myself making these bars again and again for special occasions or just when I’m craving something sweet.
One thing I really appreciate about the Pecan Pie Bars is that they are easy to transport. The bars are firm enough to hold their shape, making them perfect for potlucks or parties where you need to bring a dessert. They also make a great gift. I brought a batch to a friend’s housewarming party and everyone loved them. The bars are rich and indulgent, making them a crowd-pleaser for sure.
I also love that the Pecan Pie Bars can be enjoyed year-round. They have a classic holiday flavor that reminds me of Thanksgiving or Christmas, but they are delicious any time of the year. I can imagine myself enjoying these bars on a summer picnic or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee in the morning. Overall, I highly recommend the Pecan Pie Bars to anyone who loves the taste of pecan pie but wants a quicker and easier alternative. They are a true delight!
