Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect quick recipe when you are wanting all the flavors of pecan pie but not all of the work! Caramelized pecans on top of the perfect shortbread cookie crust make these Pecan Pie Bars amazing and the perfect dessert!
Pecan Pie Bars
Have a craving for a traditional Pecan Pie but do not want to do all that hard labor? Well, you are in luck with these Pecan Pie Dessert Bars! All the flavors of a gooey pecan pie are made into these easy pecan pie bars.
I was craving a good old fashion pecan pie but really didn’t want to go thru the trouble of making a pie crust. Not that making a pie crust is all that hard, but I was feeling on the lazy side, while wanting a treat. Specifically, a pecan pie treat pie because I did not want to do all that work.
This pecan squares recipe totally hit the spot and I am glad I wrote everything down while I was creating it so I could share it with all of you. If you are a fan of pecan pie then you are going to love this pecan pie bars recipe. Crunchy pecans, with a buttery shortbread crust is now one of my favorite desserts to make.
This Pecan Pie Bars with sugar cookie crust recipe has all the great flavors of Pecan pie but with less than half the work. They are perfect for pecan pie lovers and will remind them of a classic pecan pie recipe but in a tasty dessert bar form!
Easy Pecan Recipes
- Pecan Pumpkin bread
- Pecan sticky buns
- Cinnamon Sugar Pecans
- Candied Pecans
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Pecan Pie Waffles
- Pecan Pie Oatmeal
- Pumpkin Pecan Granola
- Turtle Cheesecake Recipe
What is a Pecan pie Bar?
Pecan pie bars are delicious bars that have all the flavors of pecan pie with much less work and uses simple ingredients. The bottom layer is a sweet and buttery cookie like crust that is then topped with a pecan pie like filling and then baked in the oven. These dessert bars are also sometimes referred to as pecan squares, and pecan bars but no matter what you call them just know they make for a very delicious dessert!
Tips for Making Pecan Pie Bars
Use prechopped pecans. If you are short on time you can use prechopped pecans instead of the whole pecans.
Chop whole pecans use a food processor. Just toss them in the food processor and give it a quick chop. I love my little mini Cuisinart food processor for things like this.
Chill the bars before cutting them. If you have the time to chill the dessert bars before serving them, do so and then cut them. It makes things much easier.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into the bars. It is much easier to cut into the bars and cut them into perfect squares when you let them cool completely.
What is the best corn syrup to use?
I like using light corn syrup but if you only have dark corn syrup you can use that instead. The dark corn syrup will give a sweeter taste and make the filling darker in color.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars
I like to enjoy these delicious pecan pie bars on their own, however, you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of homemade caramel syrup to make a tasty Ice cream sundae.
How long will Pecan Pie Bars Last?
You can keep these dessert pie bars stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you are freezing pecan squares they will keep in the fridge for 2 months.
Do Pecan Pie Bars need to be refrigerated?
The answer is yes. You do need to keep these dessert bars in the fridge to store them. Once the pecan bars have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars?
Yes! If you are wanting to make these ahead of time so you have them for a party they are great!
How to Freeze Pecan Pie Bars
After baking, let them cool completely. Then cut them into bars and place on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Place the baking sheet with the bars on it the freezer until they are frozen. Once fully frozen stack the bars into piles and place a piece of parchment paper in between each one. Wrap the stack tightly with plastic wrap.
Place the wrapped pecan pie bars in a freezer bag. I like to keep the stacks to 3-4 bars, as I find it is easier to store them in the freezer bags.
How to Thaw Pecan Pie Bars
To thaw these dessert bars, place the frozen bars in the refrigerator until they are fully defrosted.
I recommend removing them from the freezer 2 days before you plan on serving them to give them enough time to fully thaw.
Pecan Pie Dessert Bars Ingredients
- All purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- salt
- butter
- milk
- large eggs
- light brown sugar
- light corn syrup
- vanilla extract
- Chopped pecans
How to Make Pecan Pie Dessert Bars
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking pan. You can also use a square baking pan, but your bars will be thicker and need a bit longer to cook.
In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
With a pastry cutter cut the butter into the flour mixture until you have pea-size pieces of butter.
Spray the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and dump the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan. I like using a 9×13 baking pan and press it down into an even layer. Place it in the oven to bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
While the cookie crust is in the oven prepare the easy pecan pie sweet filling.
In a medium bowl whisk milk, eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla together.
Once mixed well, stir in the pecans. Be sure to get everything mixed well.
When the cookie crust is done baking, remove the baked cookie crust and then spread the pecan mixture on top of it. Be sure to spread it evenly on the cookie crust.
Put the dessert bars dish back into the oven for another 30-35 minutes. You will know it is done when the pecan filling no longer jiggles if you shake the dish.
Allow to cool then cut into pecan pie squares and remove from the baking dish.
Easy Dessert Recipes
- Pumpkin Brownies
- Baked Pineapple
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Homemade apple pie
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie
- Homemade Sugar Cookies
Baking Supplies
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Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter cold and cubed
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x 13 baking pan.
- In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the flour, sugar and salt.
- With a pastry cutter cut the butter into the flour mixture until you have pea size pieces of butter.
- Dump the mixture into your 9×13 baking pan and press it down into an even layer. Place it in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the cookie crust is in the oven prepare the easy pecan pie filling.
- In a medium bowl whisk milk, eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla together.
- Once mixed well, stir in the pecans. Be sure to get everything mixed well.
- When the cookie crust is done baking, spread the pecan mixture on top of it. Be sure to spread it evenly on the cookie crust.
- Put the dish back into the oven for another 30-35 minutes. You will know it is done when the pecan topping no longer jiggles if you shake the dish.
- Allow the pecan pie bars to cool then cut into bars.
16 Weight Watchers SmartPoints per serving.
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