Pecan Pie Bars

There’s something utterly delightful about the way a simple dessert can bring back a wealth of memories. For me, pecan pie bars are more than just a treat; they are a warm embrace of nostalgia that transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen every autumn. The aroma of buttery, sugary goodness filling the air as they bake is something that I eagerly look forward to each season. These bars embody the essence of Thanksgiving without the complicated fuss of a full pie, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends or for savoring quietly with a cozy cup of coffee.

## Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 15 minutes
• Active Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total Duration: 1 hour
• Portion Size: 16 bars
• Complexity: Simple

## Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approx. 250
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 36g
• Fats: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 15g
• Sodium: 130mg

## Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Bars

Imagine, for a moment, that first bite: a perfect blend of a soft buttery crust cradling a rich, gooey pecan filling that’s just sweet enough, with the slightest crunch from the pecans. These pecan pie bars offer a wonderful texture— both chewy and crispy, sweet and nutty— that makes them impossible to resist. The warmth of cinnamon adds a comforting touch, and the ease of their preparation means they can quickly become your go-to dessert for gatherings or a casual night in. Best of all, they come together in no time, making them a delightful addition to any baking repertoire.

## The Complete Cooking Journey

Baking pecan pie bars is a delightful journey in itself. Just gather your ingredients and let’s dive into the process!

## Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

## Method:

• Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish

  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure easy removal later.

• Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

  In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and airy. Blend in the vanilla extract for that delightful aroma.

• Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just combined. You don’t want overmixing here— keep that crust tender!

• Step 4: Form the Crust

  Press the buttery mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. You want this layer to be evenly spread out.

• Step 5: Pre-Bake the Crust

  Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden.

• Step 6: Prepare the Pecan Filling

  While the crust is being pre-baked, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, chopped pecans, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This filling is what transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience.

• Step 7: Pour the Filling

  Once the crust has finished its time in the oven, carefully pour the pecan filling over the top of the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.

• Step 8: Bake the Bars

  Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and there’s a little jiggle in the center.

• Step 9: Cool and Serve

  Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This cooling time will help set that gooey center, making them easier to slice.

## Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These pecan pie bars stand beautifully on their own, but consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a little extra indulgence. Pair them with freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant cup of hot tea, and you’ll have a comforting, cozy treat that everyone will adore.

## Storage & Leftovers Guide

Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their life to about a week. If you want to store them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months—just wrap them well!

## Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is well softened but not melted; this will ensure a perfect texture for your crust.
• Chop Pecans Evenly: Try to chop your pecans to about the same size to avoid uneven cooking and give a nice bite.
• Test for Doneness: The filling should be just set and slightly jiggly when you take it out. It will firm up as it cools.

## Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feel free to experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans mixed with almonds. For a chocolate twist, add in chocolate chips to the filling, or for a hint of salt, sprinkle sea salt on top just before baking. Want a little zing? A splash of bourbon or maple syrup in the filling can add wonderful complexity.

## Reader Questions & Solutions

1. Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   A: Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your corn syrup is gluten-free.

2. Q: How do I know when the bars are done?
   A: Look for the filling to be set and not too jiggly in the center; it should have a slight spring when touched.

3. Q: Can I use different nuts?
   A: Absolutely! Walnuts or a mini mix of your favorite nuts works beautifully.

4. Q: What if I don’t have corn syrup?
   A: You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

5. Q: Can I double this recipe?
   A: Yes, just use a larger pan and adjust the baking time as necessary.

## Wrapping Up

Baking pecan pie bars is not just about the ingredients; it’s about creating wonderful moments and delicious memories. These delectable treats are perfect for all occasions—from festive gatherings to cozy nights in. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let these delightful bars become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!

Pecan Pie Bars

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Delightful pecan pie bars that combine a soft buttery crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling, perfect for sharing during the autumn season.

• Author: contai-editor
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 45
• Total Time: 60
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
5. Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
6. While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, chopped pecans, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
7. Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
9. Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

For serving, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for about a week.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 100mg