Description
Deliciously rich and nutty pecan pie bars with a buttery crust and a smooth, sweet filling packed with roasted pecans. This easy-to-make dessert combines the classic flavors of pecan pie in convenient bar form, perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup (or maple syrup)
- 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound pecans (roasted and roughly chopped)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the crust and later the pie bars.
- Prepare the Crust: Beat 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter with 1/3 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; mix well until combined.
- Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, sift together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the batter on low speed until just combined.
- Press and Bake Crust: Evenly press the dough into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan. If sticky, sprinkle dough lightly with flour. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is just set. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely to prevent damage when adding the filling.
- Prepare the Topping Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, 1/2 cup cornstarch, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
- Cook Filling: Place a saucepan over medium-low heat and add the sugar mixture. Quickly whisk in 4 egg yolks, 1 cup light corn syrup (or maple syrup), and 1/2 cup heavy cream until smooth. Stir continuously and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken Filling: Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add Butter: Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 cup cold unsalted butter diced into pieces until fully melted and incorporated.
- Fold in Pecans and Vanilla: Gently fold in 1 pound roasted and roughly chopped pecans and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well to evenly distribute.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the cooled crust, avoiding getting filling between the crust and the pan edges. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove from oven and let cool fully at room temperature. Then refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours to chill and firm up the bars.
- Serve: Cut into bars and serve as a delicious dessert or snack that combines a buttery crust with a rich, nutty topping.
Notes
- Use roasted pecans for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Ensure the crust is cooled fully before pouring the filling to avoid cracking or sinking.
- Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for light corn syrup for a more natural sweetness and flavor.
- Keep bars refrigerated to maintain firmness; bring to room temperature before serving if desired softer texture.
- For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs when preparing the crust.
- You can sprinkle lightly with flour if dough is too sticky to handle easily.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2x2 inches)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: pecan pie bars, pecan bars, pecan dessert, holiday dessert, nutty dessert, baked bars, easy pecan recipe
