Basic Pecan Pie Bars

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Crunchy, gooey pecan pie bars are a wonderful fall treat. A crisp shortbread crust gets topped with classic pecan pie filling for a simple and portable dessert.

side view of a stack of pecan pie bars

A long time ago I shared a recipe for chocolate bourbon pecan bars. Today’s pecan pie bars are inspired by that old recipe.

I revamped it slightly, omitting the chocolate in the crust and filling. I also adjusted the filling so it’s a bit more gooey like a pecan pie.

I left the pecans whole instead of chopping them up and I used 4 cups of pecans. These bars are so crunchy and gooey.

The edges bake up a bit crisper than the center. I prefer the middle pieces over the edges pieces.

The crust is thick to support all the filling. I sprinkled a little brown sugar over the crust before baking it to create a crisp layer of caramelized sugar.

overhead closeup of pecan pie bars

Do pecan pie bars need to be refrigerated?

It is best to refrigerate pecan pie bars after they’ve cooled. They will keep for up to 5 days stored in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze pecan pie bars?

These bars freeze well and they’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.


How to make pecan pie bars?

Step 1: Make the crust

The crust comes together easily! Just whisk all the dry ingredients together then stir in the melted butter.

You should have a cookie dough-like texture.

Press the dough into the bottom of the pan and sprinkle the top with brown sugar.

The sugar will harden as the crust bakes and this helps prevent the filling from making it soggy.

overhead view of crust dough in a glass bowl
overhead view of crust in a baking pan

Step 2: Make the filling

The pecan pie bar filling is super easy to make. Just whisk all the ingredients together then fold in the pecans.

I like to toast my pecans beforehand so the flavor really shines in the bars.

overhead pecan pie bars topping in a glass bowl

Step 3: Bake the bars

Spread the filling over the baked crust and bake the bars until the filling is bubbly and golden brown.

I find that it takes about 30 to 35 minutes for them to bake in a 9-inch square pan.

overhead view of pecan pie bars in a baking pan
close up of the side of a pecan pie bar so the filling is visible

Tips for making pecan pie bars

  • These bars are thick! If you want thinner bars, bake them in a 9×13-inch pan for 20-25 minutes.
  • Line the pan with foil to make it easier to remove the bars.
  • Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before trying to cut them.

More recipes you’ll love

  1. Pecan Pie Cheesecake
  2. Apple Streusel Bars
  3. Fudgy Oatmeal Bars
side view of a stack of pecan pie bars
4.42 from 60 votes

Pecan Pie Bars

Crunchy, gooey pecan pie bars are a wonderful fall treat. A crisp shortbread crust gets topped with classic pecan pie filling for a simple and portable dessert.
Prep Time :15 minutes
Cook Time :50 minutes
Total Time :1 hour 5 minutes
Servings :16
Author :Jen Sobjack

Ingredients

For the crust

  • 1 ¾ cups (227 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

For the topping

  • 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (170 g) dark corn syrup
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 4 cups (396 g) pecan halves, about 1 pound, toasted

Instructions
 

Make the crust

  • Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 375°F. Line a 9-inch square pan with foil, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Lightly spray the foil with nonstick spray.
  • Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and stir with a silicone spatula until the dough starts to come together. 
  • Use your hands to combine the dough until no dry flour remain. The dough should hold together when squeezed.
  • Evenly scatter pieces of dough over the bottom of the pan. Press and smooth the dough into an even thickness. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the surface of the dough.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden brown.

Make the topping

  • Whisk the sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt together in a medium bowl until smooth, about 20 seconds. Whisk in the egg, then fold the pecans into sugar mixture until evenly coated.
  • Pour topping over warm crust. Use a spatula to spread the topping evenly over crust
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is rapidly bubbling across the entire surface.
  • Transfer pan to wire rack and cool completely, about 1 and ½ hours.
  • Use the foil overhang to lift the bars out and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars.

Video

Notes

  • You can easily toast the pecans in the oven. Spread them in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-12 minutes, until nuts are slightly darkened and fragrant.
  • If you want thinner bars, you can make this recipe in a 9×13-inch pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Then add the filling and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Make ahead tip
  1. The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  2. You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 413kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 172mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 3gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 343IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
*Nutrition Disclaimer
Course :Dessert
Cuisine :American
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Recipe Rating




11 Comments

  1. It sounds great !
    Can I use honey instead of dark corn syrup

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      Honey will change the flavor but should work the same way as corn syrup.

  2. Hi! It’s really hard to find corn syrup where I am… would I be able to use honey or maple syrup instead? Thank you!

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      I haven’t tried it but I’ve seen recipes that use maple syrup. It might work okay.

  3. Delilah Fann says:

    If you use chopped pecans do you use the same amount

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      The same amount should be fine.

  4. What are your thoughts of using Lyle’s golden syrup in place of the Karo syrup?

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      I’m not familiar with it but after doing some research it looks similar. It may be fine to use.

      1. Thank you.

  5. 5 stars
    I love how thick the pecan pie bars are!

  6. 5 stars
    I love how thick the pecan pie bars are!