Pecan Pie Bars: A Delectable Slice of Southern Comfort
All the Flavors of Pecan Pie in a Convenient Bar Form
Pecan pie is a cherished Southern dessert known for its rich, gooey filling and the delightful crunch of pecans. If you’re a fan of this classic treat but want a more portable and shareable version, look no further than these Pecan Pie Bars. They capture all the flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient bar form. Let’s get started on making this delicious Southern comfort dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Pecan Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour until you have a crumbly mixture.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s tightly packed.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown.
3. Make the Pecan Filling:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
4. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pecan filling evenly over the baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly browned. The center may still jiggle slightly, but it will firm up as it cools.
5. Cool and Slice:
- Allow the Pecan Pie Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
6. Slice and Serve:
- Slice the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Serve your Pecan Pie Bars and savor the delicious combination of sweet, gooey pecan filling and buttery crust.
Tips and Variations:
Customizing Your Pecan Pie Bars
Tips:
- When pressing the crust into the pan, it’s helpful to use the back of a measuring cup to ensure it’s tightly packed and even.
- To make slicing easier, you can chill the bars in the refrigerator for about an hour before cutting.
Variations:
- For a twist on classic pecan pie bars, consider adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips over the crust before pouring in the pecan filling for a delightful chocolatey layer.
- You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to create unique variations of these bars.
Customization:
- Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the bars for an extra layer of sweetness and elegance.
Storage:
- Store any leftover Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Cook’s Note:
- Pecan Pie Bars are a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie in a portable and shareable form. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, potluck, or just indulging in a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to be a hit. With a buttery crust and a luscious pecan filling, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and nutty goodness that defines Southern comfort desserts. Enjoy every bite!
