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Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Easy Pecan Pie Bars
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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.

Ingredients

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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

  1. 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.
  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, toasted pecans, coating them evenly with the sweet mixture.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/easy-pecan-pie-bars/