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Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert with Shortbread Crust

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These decadent pecan pie bars feature a gooey caramelized pecan filling atop a buttery shortbread crust. They’re easy to make, perfect for gatherings, and deliver all the nostalgic comfort of classic pecan pie in a convenient, sliceable bar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 cups pecans, chopped (toast for best flavor)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cup corn syrup (light or dark, or maple syrup)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and vanilla extract (if using). Blend with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press crust mixture evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  4. Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in oven for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Fold in toasted pecans.
  6. Pour pecan filling over partially cooled crust. Spread evenly. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top if using.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until filling is set at edges but slightly jiggly in center.
  8. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack for at least 2 hours.
  9. Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife, wiping knife between cuts for clean slices.

Notes

Always toast pecans for best flavor. Cool bars completely before slicing for neat squares. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 flour blend. Chocolate chips and flaky sea salt are optional for extra decadence. Bars freeze well and flavors deepen after a day or two.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie bars, shortbread crust, easy dessert, holiday baking, Thanksgiving, potluck, pecan dessert, caramel, bar cookies

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