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 makes these Pecan Pie Bars amazing and the perfect dessert!
Having a craving for Pecan Pie but do not want to do all that hard labor? Well you are in luck with these Pecan Pie Dessert Bars!
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 that is not a pecan pie. This pecan bar 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.
This Pecan Pie Bars with sugar cookie crust recipe has all the great flavors of Pecan pie but with less than half the work.
Love Pecans? Check out these awesome Pecan Recipes!
- Pecan Pie Waffles
- Pumpkin Bread with Pecan Streusel
- Pecan Sticky Buns
- Candied Pecans
- Pecan Pie Oatmeal
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.
How long will Pecan Pie Bars Last?
You can keep pecan pie bars stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you are freezing pecan pie bars they will keep in the fridge for 2 months.
How to Store Pecan Pie Bars
The biggest question asked is 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 Dessert 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
- 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
Pecan Pie Dessert Bars Directions
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.
Looking for more Easy Dessert recipes? Check these out!
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 9x13 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.
Nutrition
16 Weight Watchers SmartPoints per serving.
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