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Pecan Pie Bars

These Pecan Pie Bars are the gooey, buttery, handheld version of the classic holiday dessert—no pie crust drama required! Perfect for potlucks, parties, or stress-free baking, they're made with a rich shortbread crust and a sweet, nutty pecan filling.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert, Holiday Treats
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 345 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula
  • Knife for slicing

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups chopped pecans toasted

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp bourbon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
  • Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
  • Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Dock the crust with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  • Make the filling: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in chopped pecans and any optional add-ins (chocolate chips, bourbon, cinnamon).
  • Assemble: Pour the filling over the hot crust and spread evenly.
  • Bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, until the center is set with a slight jiggle.
  • Allow to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

Notes

Toast your pecans for 5–7 minutes at 350°F to enhance their flavor.
For clean slices, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry.
Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Keyword easy pecan dessert, holiday dessert, pecan pie bars