If you adore the irresistible combination of buttery, nutty flavors baked into a sweet, gooey treat, then this Pecan Bars Recipe is going to be your new obsession. With a golden shortbread crust topped with a luscious pecan filling, every bite delivers that perfect crunch followed by rich caramel-like sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress at a holiday gathering or simply craving an easy-to-make snack that feels like a warm hug, these pecan bars bring comforting Southern charm to your kitchen in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pecan Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy, buttery crust to the syrupy, nut-packed topping, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor you’ll want to savor again and again.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Gives the crust a rich, tender base and the bars a buttery aroma that fills your kitchen.
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar: Adds a silky sweetness to the crust, helping it bake up soft yet crisp.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus 2 tablespoons): Forms the sturdy foundation for the crust and helps the filling set beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus 1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the deep flavors of the pecans and caramel.
- 3 large eggs: Create a smooth, stable filling that binds all the ingredients into one rich layer.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: The secret to that glossy, sticky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a deep molasses note that complements the pecans perfectly.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth to the filling, making these bars utterly irresistible.
- 2 cups chopped pecans: Provide crunch, flavor, and a classic touch that makes this recipe truly shine.
How to Make Pecan Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang for easy bar removal later. In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter together with the powdered sugar until it’s smooth and luxuriously creamy. Then, stir in the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and half a teaspoon of salt until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid, golden crust that’ll serve as the perfect base for your pecan topping. Pop it into the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, watching for a light golden color—that means it’s just right!
Step 2: Make the Pecan Filling
While your crust is baking, whisk together the 3 eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. This combination will transform into a sweet, sticky filling with a glossy finish. Once the filling is smooth, gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring every nut is coated with sugary goodness. The pecans are what truly elevate this recipe into a celebration of texture and classic Southern flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
As soon as you pull your crust out of the oven and it’s still hot, pour the pecan filling over it, spreading it evenly so each bar gets plenty of that irresistible filling. Immediately place the pan back into the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to look for the filling to set just right, with a slight puff and a golden hue, signaling the perfect pecan bar texture has been achieved. After baking, let the whole pan cool completely at room temperature. Cooling is key here because it helps the bars firm up, making it much easier to slice them neatly into squares or rectangles.
How to Serve Pecan Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take your pecan bars from delightful to dazzling. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar instantly elevates their presentation. If you’re feeling especially festive, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking can create a pleasing sweet-salty contrast that your guests will rave about.
Side Dishes
Pecan bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that classic dessert combo. For a touch of freshness, serve them alongside slices of crisp apple or a small bowl of mixed berries to cut through the richness with natural tartness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or holiday gathering, try arranging the pecan bars in a decorative tin lined with kraft paper or a festive platter with fresh sprigs of mint and edible flowers. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them on cocktail picks for a perfect, finger-friendly dessert option. These little touches show off how much love went into your baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your pecan bars have cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep wonderfully for up to four days, maintaining that delightful balance of a crisp crust with a chewy topping, making your sweet treat just as satisfying on day two or three.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these bars ahead of time or keep them on hand for unexpected guests, they freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored this way, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen pecan bars like freshly baked, allow them to thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly in a 300-degree oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven experience and makes the filling gloriously gooey again without drying out the buttery crust.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans offer a signature flavor and texture, you can substitute walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Each nut will bring its own unique crunch and taste to the bars.
Is light corn syrup necessary for the filling?
Light corn syrup is key to achieving that chewy, sticky consistency in the filling that holds the nuts together. If you can’t find it, a mild honey or golden syrup can sometimes work as a substitute, but the texture might vary slightly.
How do I know when the pecan bars are done baking?
The filling should be set and slightly puffed, not jiggly, and the crust should be lightly golden. A toothpick inserted near the center may come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter, indicating perfect doneness.
Can I add chocolate chips to this Pecan Bars Recipe?
Yes! Mixing in a handful of chocolate chips with the pecan filling adds decadent bursts of chocolate that pair wonderfully with the caramel flavor. Just fold them in gently so they don’t melt completely during baking.
What’s the best way to cut pecan bars without crumbly edges?
Let the bars cool completely before lifting them out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts to ensure smooth, clean edges on every piece.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this delightful Pecan Bars Recipe in your back pocket, there’s no excuse not to whip up a batch and bask in the joy of homemade goodness. It’s an easy, comforting dessert with that perfect blend of crisp, chewy, and nutty that’s sure to please family and friends alike. Give it a try, and watch how quickly these bars disappear from your kitchen!
Print
Pecan Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Pecan Bars are a delightful American dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling. Perfect for holidays or any occasion, they combine the nutty flavor of toasted pecans with a sweet, caramel-like syrup, creating an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring to leave a slight overhang along the edges for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mixing until the dough becomes crumbly but can press together.
- Form and Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform layer. Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden around the edges.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the crust is hot out of the oven, pour the pecan filling evenly over it. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed in the center.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the pecan bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. Slice into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- For a flavorful twist, add a splash of bourbon to the pecan filling before baking.
- Mixing in a handful of chocolate chips into the filling adds a delightful chocolatey element.
- These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
