Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: All the Flavor, None of the Fuss

 Pecan Pie Bars offer all the deliciousness of a classic pecan pie but in a convenient bar form. These sweet and nutty treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving the comforting taste of pecan pie without the need for a fork. With a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, these bars are sure to become a favorite dessert in your repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Filling:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Shortbread Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cubed cold butter, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to compact it.

Bake the Crust: 5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and set it aside.

Prepare the Pecan Filling: 6. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.

7. Stir in the packed brown sugar and light corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
8. Once the mixture is boiling, let it cook for 1-2 minutes while continuing to stir.
9. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pecan halves, vanilla extract, and salt.

Assemble and Bake: 10. Pour the pecan filling evenly over the baked shortbread crust.

11. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the pecan filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
12. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the bars to set.

Slice and Serve: 13. Once the bars have cooled, use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or rectangles.

14. Serve the Pecan Pie Bars on a platter and enjoy!

Cook’s Notes:

• You can customize these bars by adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top of the pecan filling before baking for a delightful twist.
• To make it easier to remove the bars from the pan, line it with parchment paper so you can lift them out after cooling.
• These bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, but you can also refrigerate them for longer storage.
• Pecan Pie Bars make a wonderful gift during the holiday season or for special occasions. Package them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful present.

 Pecan Pie Bars capture the essence of pecan pie in a convenient and finger-friendly form. With a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Follow this recipe, create your own batch of Pecan Pie Bars, and savor the sweet and nutty goodness with every bite.