Easy Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect holiday treat to bring warmth and sweetness to any gathering. These delicious and fuss-free bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, nutty pecan filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or simply craving a homemade dessert, this recipe offers a sweet, nutty delight that’s ready to impress your guests effortlessly. Easy to make and even easier to share, these bars capture the classic pecan pie flavor in a convenient, handheld form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: Easy Pecan Pie Bars require fewer steps than traditional pies, making holiday baking stress-free.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of toasted pecans and a gooey, caramel-like filling offers irresistible taste in every bite.
Perfect for Sharing: Bars are easier to cut and serve than pie, which means less mess and more smiles around the table.
Versatile Dessert: Ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or gift-giving during the festive season.
Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to accommodate dietary preferences or add your own twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list for Easy Pecan Pie Bars is straightforward and uses pantry staples, ensuring you get the perfect balance of flavors and textures without fuss. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that classic pecan pie experience in a bar form.

All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base crust for that perfect shortbread texture.
Butter: Adds rich flavor and a buttery crispness to the crust and filling.
Brown sugar: Gives the filling its signature caramel sweetness and depth.
Eggs: Help bind the filling ingredients together for that luscious, set texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth to the filling.
Chopped pecans: Provide crunch and that unmistakable nutty flavor essential to pecan pie.
Corn syrup or maple syrup: Offers the gooey, glossy finish that locks all the flavors beautifully.
Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.

Variations for Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Feel free to get creative with Easy Pecan Pie Bars! This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to cater to different dietary needs or flavor preferences without losing its irresistible charm.

Gluten-free crust: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars gluten-friendly.
Vegan adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg to replace the eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
Chocolate addition: Add a layer of melted chocolate or sprinkle chocolate chips on top for a rich twist.
Spiced up: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger into the filling for a warm, festive spice profile.
Mixed nuts: Swap some pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a unique nut blend.

How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by preheating your oven and greasing a baking pan. Combine the all-purpose flour, butter, and a pinch of salt until you form a crumbly dough. Press this evenly into the pan to create the base and bake it until lightly golden.

Step 2: Mix the filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, corn syrup (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the sweet mixture.

Step 3: Bake the bars

Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the filling is set but still slightly tacky in the middle. This usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Cool and cut

Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack so the filling firms up perfectly. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles, and get ready to serve these delightful holiday treats.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Use room temperature butter: This ensures your crust will blend smoothly without overworking the dough.
Toast the pecans: Lightly toasting nuts before mixing brings out their natural oils and adds depth.
Don’t overbake: The filling should still jiggle slightly in the center to avoid drying out the bars.
Chill before cutting: Cooling the bars fully makes slicing cleaner and helps maintain bar shape.
Line your pan: Using parchment paper for easy removal keeps the bars intact and makes cleanup faster.

How to Serve Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream for a simple, elegant touch. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a few extra pecan halves on top can elevate the presentation effortlessly.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of creamy mascarpone to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries also complements the nutty richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Easy Pecan Pie Bars on a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe or arrange them in a festive box as homemade holiday gifts. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine adds a charming, personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep well stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, which will extend their shelf life to about a week.

Freezing

Easy Pecan Pie Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll maintain quality for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy warm bars, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven for 5 minutes. This brings back the gooey texture without losing any charm.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts can be great substitutes or additions for different textures and flavors.

Is corn syrup necessary for the filling?

No, you can replace corn syrup with maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup depending on your preference or dietary restrictions.

How long do Easy Pecan Pie Bars stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the bars last about three days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?

Yes! In fact, preparing them a day or two ahead allows the flavors to develop fully and makes hosting easier.

Are Easy Pecan Pie Bars gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a holiday dessert that delivers rich flavor without complicated steps, Easy Pecan Pie Bars are your new best friend. They bring the nostalgic essence of pecan pie into a modern, easy-to-serve form that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear fast at your next celebration!

Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Print Recipe

Easy Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, nutty pecan filling, delivering the classic pecan pie flavor in a convenient bar form. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars are quick to make, easy to share, and offer a sweet, caramel-like treat with a satisfying crunch.

Author: Lilly
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling

1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup corn syrup or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, lightly toasted

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, room temperature butter, and a pinch of salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to create the base. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.
Mix the filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, corn syrup (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped, toasted pecans, coating them evenly with the sweet mixture.
Bake the bars: Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly tacky in the center.
Cool and cut: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step helps the filling to firm up, making it easier to slice into squares or rectangles before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature butter to ensure a smooth crust dough without overworking it.
Lightly toast pecans before mixing to enhance their natural oils and flavor.
Do not overbake; the filling should jiggle slightly in the center to avoid dryness.
Chill the bars fully before slicing to get clean, tidy cuts.
Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and quicker cleanup.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of recipe)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 110mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: pecan pie bars, holiday dessert, easy pecan bars, pecan pie, shortbread crust, nutty dessert, caramel filling, gluten-free pecan bars