Embark on a journey of decadence with Momma’s Pecan Pie Bars—an irresistible treat that encapsulates the rich, buttery goodness of a classic pecan pie in a convenient bar form. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these bars are a foolproof way to capture the essence of a Southern pecan pie without the fuss. Join us as we explore the ingredients, guide you through the step-by-step instructions, share cook notes and variations, and provide keto and low-carb versions. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with the sumptuous delight of Momma’s Pecan Pie Bars!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Pecan Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1.5 cups light corn syrup
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
Crafting Momma’s Pecan Pie Bars:
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix the Crust: In a bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Prepare the Pecan Filling:
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well-beaten.
- Add Sweet Elegance: Stir in the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the filling.
Assemble and Bake:
- Layering Magic: Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Cook Notes
- Chill Before Slicing: For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for a few hours or overnight before slicing.
- Toast the Pecans: Enhance the flavor by toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling. Simply bake them in the oven for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Adjust Sweetness: Tailor the sweetness to your preference by reducing the amount of sugar in the filling.
Variations
1. Chocolate Drizzle Delight:
Elevate the bars by drizzling melted chocolate over the top before slicing. The combination of chocolate and pecans is a match made in dessert heaven.
2. Bourbon Bliss:
Infuse a touch of Southern charm by adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the pecan filling. This variation introduces a subtle depth of flavor.
3. Coconut Crunch:
Add a tropical twist by incorporating shredded coconut into the crust or sprinkling it over the pecan filling. The coconut adds a delightful crunch.
Keto Versions
For those on a keto journey, consider these modifications:
- Almond Flour Alchemy: Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in the crust to reduce carb content.
- Keto Sweeteners: Replace powdered sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener in the crust, and use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit in the pecan filling.
- Watch the Corn Syrup: Use a low-carb corn syrup alternative or make a sugar-free syrup using a keto-friendly sweetener.
Low-Carb Version
To cater to low-carb preferences, make these adjustments:
- Almond Flour Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour in the crust for a lower-carb alternative.
- Low-Carb Sweeteners: Use a blend of low-carb sweeteners in both the crust and the pecan filling to reduce overall carb content.
- Check Nutritional Values: Choose pecans as a nut option for their lower carb content compared to some other nuts.
Momma’s Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of indulgence and the joy that comes with every decadent bite. Whether you savor the classic recipe, explore tempting variations, or adapt it to keto and low-carb lifestyles, these bars are a testament to the versatility of pecan pie. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and immerse yourself in the delightful process of creating a dessert that pays homage to the sweet traditions of Southern comfort. Here’s to the blissful decadence of Momma’s Pecan Pie Bars—a slice of heaven on every plate!
