Quick & Easy Pecan Pie Bars: A Simple Dessert Delight

Craving the rich, buttery goodness of pecan pie but short on time? These quick pecan pie bars are the perfect solution! They deliver all the classic flavors in a convenient, portable form. This recipe skips the finicky pie crust and uses a simple, buttery shortbread base topped with a gooey, sweet pecan filling. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat any time of year. Get ready to indulge in these irresistible pecan pie bars!

## Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars

* **Quick and Easy:** Forget complicated pie crusts! The shortbread base comes together in minutes.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Portable:** Bars are perfect for serving at parties or packing in lunchboxes.
* **Delicious:** All the flavors of pecan pie, but easier to make and eat.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves pecan pie, and these bars are no exception!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather these simple ingredients. It’s always best to have everything measured and ready to go!

**For the Shortbread Crust:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 2 cups all-purpose flour

**For the Pecan Pie Filling:**

* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 1 cup light corn syrup
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 2 cups pecan halves, coarsely chopped

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper or aluminum foil
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Oven

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake the perfect pecan pie bars:

**Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Make sure the butter is truly softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
3. Add the salt and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust. The dough will be crumbly.
5. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. You can use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to create a smooth, even layer. Make sure to press firmly to create a solid base for the filling.
6. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.

**Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Filling**

1. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might cook the eggs.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the filling and create a lighter texture.
3. Stir in the corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
4. Gently fold in the chopped pecans. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

**Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pecan Pie Bars**

1. Remove the partially baked crust from the oven.
2. Pour the pecan pie filling evenly over the crust.
3. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The center should be slightly firm to the touch.
4. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is important, as the filling will continue to set as it cools. Cooling them completely also makes them easier to cut cleanly.

**Step 4: Cut and Serve**

1. Once the bars are completely cooled, use the parchment paper or aluminum foil overhang to lift them out of the pan.
2. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, you can wipe the knife with a warm, damp cloth between each cut.
3. Serve and enjoy! These bars are delicious served at room temperature.

## Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

* **Use Softened Butter:** Ensure your butter is properly softened for the crust. It should be soft enough to easily cream with the sugar but not melted.
* **Don’t Overmix the Crust:** Overmixing the shortbread dough can result in a tough crust. Mix until just combined.
* **Toast the Pecans (Optional):** For an even richer flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your pecan pie bars. Use good quality butter, vanilla extract, and pecans.
* **Cool Completely:** Be patient and let the bars cool completely before cutting. This will prevent the filling from running and make them easier to handle.
* **Store Properly:** Store leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a decadent twist.
* **Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars:** Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the baked bars for added sweetness and saltiness.
* **Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the pecan filling for a boozy kick.
* **Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars:** Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
* **Maple Pecan Pie Bars:** Substitute the light corn syrup with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
* **Different Nuts:** Try using walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts instead of pecans.
* **Different Extracts:** Almond extract or maple extract can add a unique flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

These pecan pie bars are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert:

* **With Vanilla Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, nutty flavors of the bars.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** These bars are a great accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
* **Dusted with Powdered Sugar:** A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
* **With a Caramel Drizzle:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars for an extra layer of sweetness.

## Troubleshooting Tips

* **Crust is Too Dry:** If the crust is too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of melted butter or water at a time until the dough comes together.
* **Filling is Too Runny:** If the filling is too runny, make sure you baked the bars long enough. You can also try chilling them in the refrigerator for a few hours to help them set.
* **Bars are Too Hard:** If the bars are too hard, you may have overbaked them. Reduce the baking time next time.
* **Pecans are Burning:** If the pecans are browning too quickly, cover the pan with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate per bar)

* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 75-100mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 3-4g

(Note: Nutrition information can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size.)

## Printable Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Quick & Easy Pecan Pie Bars

**Yields:** Approximately 16 bars

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes

**Cook Time:** 40-50 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**For the Shortbread Crust:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 2 cups all-purpose flour

**For the Pecan Pie Filling:**

* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 1 cup light corn syrup
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 2 cups pecan halves, coarsely chopped

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
2. **Make the Crust:** Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined. Press dough into the prepared pan.
3. Bake crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
4. **Make the Filling:** While the crust is baking, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Gently fold in chopped pecans.
5. Pour pecan filling over the partially baked crust.
6. Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
7. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting. Use parchment overhang to lift bars out of the pan and cut into squares or rectangles.
8. Serve and enjoy!

## Conclusion

These quick pecan pie bars are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of pecan pie with the convenience of a bar. They’re simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are perfect for any occasion. So, ditch the complicated pie crust and whip up a batch of these irresistible pecan pie bars today! You won’t be disappointed.