Introducing you to Pecan Pie with a fraction of the effort! Pecan Pie Bars are a hit at Thanksgiving gatherings! A buttery shortbread crust is topped with a dreamy caramelized pecan filling. This easy dessert recipe will soon become a favorite for more than just the holidays!
Original recipe posted: April 2019 | Recipe updated: October 2019
And here begins a barrage of Thanksgiving-related recipes that will please all of your tummies! I am starting the onslaught with Pecan Pie Bars. Alternate title: I REFUSE TO MAKE PIE. Skip looing for a pie crust recipe this year! I do have a totally delicious pecan pie recipe loaded with double chocolate added to it, making it divine if your heart is set on a pie.
But this recipe is ALL of the flavor with a fraction of the effort. If someone has asked you to bring a traditional pecan pie to Thanksgiving dinner, I’ve got your back! You are welcome! They are irresistible. They’re nearly impossible to stop eating.
WATCH THIS QUICK VIDEO TUTORIAL ON HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM
Enjoy the step-by-step video tutorial we have created for this recipe! Our goal is to make your time in the kitchen as easy as possible and to ensure that your version of this recipe is a success. See our full collection of cooking and baking videos on YouTube!
HOW TO MAKE A PAN OF PECAN BARS
I love pecan pie but this buttery shortbread crust makes this a pretty perfect option!
STEP 1 – PREP
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
STEP 2 – CRUST
In a medium bowl, combine the butter, sugar and egg. Mix until creamy. Add flour and salt and stir until combined. Using your fingers (flour them, if needed), press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
STEP 3 – FILLING
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, 3 eggs and vanilla. Stir until combined. Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center is no longer jiggly. The golden brown color will make your mouth water!
STEP 4 – SERVE
Let cool to room temperature (or speed up the process by placing the pan in the fridge) before cutting into squares. Serve with whipped topping (if desired). Keep the unused portion of the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
RECIPE TIPS
If you don’t love chopping with a chef’s knife, a food chopper or a food processor can make it happen very quickly.
When the pecan pie bars come out of the oven, they shouldn’t be jiggly but they might still move slightly, but it should jiggle uniformly. As the bars cool, they will firm up and be easy to eat.
If you choose to split up the bars into two 8×8 pans, watch the bake time as they won’t need to cook as long.
Make your own Homemade Whipped Cream for a delicious topping!
HOW TO FREEZE DESSERT BARS
Once the bars have cooled completely, they will freeze well in an air tight container with parchment paper between the layers. They should freeze well for about 6 months.
LIGHT VS DARK KARO SYRUP
This recipe calls for light karo syrup which is made with real vanilla. If you choose to use dark karo syrup, the molasses like flavor will be more bold but still delicious.
BEST DESSERTS TO WOW YOUR GUESTS WITH DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Easy Apple Pie Bars – Apple Pie Bars are the EASY version of Apple Pie! The beauty of this dessert is that they fit into your fingers, no fork required and the filling is homemade with your freshly picked apples. These taste even better than the original and they’re much easier to make. Delicious!
The Best Carrot Cake– This is the best carrot cake recipe you’ll find. It is moist, flavorful, perfectly spiced and topped with an irresistible cream cheese frosting that will knock your socks off. Making carrot cake from scratch is EASY and you cannot mess it up with step-by-step instructions, as well as an instructional video!
Coconut Cream Pie – Coconut Cream Pie is a classic, dreamy dessert that will WOW guests at any gathering. A creamy filling is topped with homemade whipped cream and perfectly toasted coconut flakes!
DELICIOUS THANKSGIVING FOOD
This is the BEST Homemade Cranberry Sauce! It is super easy to make and way surpasses the canned version in flavor. Be sure to use whole berries to your sauce to make this a delicious side dish for your Thanksgiving or holiday table!
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are creamy, smooth, delicious and easy to prepare. No boiling or saucepan/stovetop cleaning required with this side dish. The Instant Pot gets this easy mashed potato recipe done in 30 minutes!
This Classic Sweet Potato Casserole is great on your Thanksgiving table and also a perfect side dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It is filled with a delicious sweet potato mixture and topped with crunchy pecans and marshmallows.
This is the Best Green Bean Casserole for your table! It is a traditional holiday staple, yes, but also great any time of the year as a delicious side dish.
This delicious Crockpot Stuffing with Leeks and Sausage is made easier in a slow cooker! The addition of leeks and sausage makes it unique and delicious. Don’t limit this to Thanksgiving fare. It is a great side dish to any meal, any time of the year.
If you really love to have low carb options available, try this Cauliflower Stuffing recipe! It’s an easy, healthy side dish for your next holiday meal! Cauliflower stuffing is a low carb, gluten free recipe that does not lack in flavor. Add this delicious dish to your next Thanksgiving spread!
If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and tag it @pipandebby + hashtag it #PIPANDEBBY I’d love to see what you create!
Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
CRUST
- 2 sticks butter softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp. salt
FILLING
- 2 cups pecans chopped
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp. vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the butter, sugar and egg. Mix until creamy. Add flour and salt and stir until combined. Using your fingers (flour them, if needed), press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the pecans, sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, 3 eggs and vanilla. Stir until combined. Pour over the crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until center is no longer jiggly.
- Let cool, cut into squares and serve with whipped topping (if desired).
Notes
When the pecan pie bars come out of the oven, they shouldn’t be jiggly but they might still move slightly, but it should jiggle uniformly. As the bars cool, they will firm up and be easy to eat.
If you choose to split up the bars into two 8×8 pans, watch the bake time as they won’t need to cook as long.
Make your own Homemade Whipped Cream for a delicious topping!
Pecan Pie is the only pie I eat and when Thanksgiving and Christmas come, I am soooo happy… I am going to make these bars this year (and maybe eat them all!!!)
Barbie