Southern Pecan Pie Bars: A Decadent Dessert Delight
These Southern Pecan Pie Bars take everything you love about classic pecan pie and transform it into an easy-to-make, portable treat. With a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling, these bars are the perfect dessert for holidays, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Get ready to indulge in a slice (or two!) of Southern comfort with this foolproof recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars
* **Easy to make:** Skip the fuss of a traditional pie crust. The shortbread crust is simple and quick to prepare.
* **Portable:** Bars are much easier to transport and serve than a pie. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
* **Decadent flavor:** The combination of buttery crust and sweet, nutty filling is irresistible.
* **Make-ahead friendly:** You can prepare these bars a day or two in advance, making them ideal for holiday baking.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe with different nuts, spices, or a touch of bourbon for a unique twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential ingredients:
**For the Shortbread Crust:**
* 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
* ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* ¼ teaspoon salt
**For the Pecan Pie Filling:**
* 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
* ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted
* 3 large eggs
* 1 cup light corn syrup
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 2 cups (200g) pecan halves
Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Electric mixer (optional, but recommended)
* Whisk
* Rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Southern Pecan Pie Bars:
**Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust**
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This will prevent sticking and make it easy to lift the bars out of the pan later.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the crust.
3. **Cut in the butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender, your fingers, or a food processor to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the butter, the flakier the crust will be. If using your fingers, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
4. **Press into the pan:** Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press the mixture into an even layer. Make sure the crust is compact and covers the entire bottom of the pan.
5. **Bake the crust:** Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
**Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Filling**
1. **Combine wet ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Make sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
2. **Add pecans:** Stir in the pecan halves until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling. Ensure the pecans are coated with the mixture.
**Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pecan Pie Bars**
1. **Pour filling over crust:** Pour the pecan pie filling evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling to ensure it covers the entire crust.
2. **Bake the bars:** Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. To prevent the crust from burning, you can cover the edges of the pan with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
3. **Cool completely:** Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for the filling to set properly. Cooling can take several hours, so be patient!
**Step 4: Cut and Serve**
1. **Lift out of pan:** Once the bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan.
2. **Cut into bars:** Cut the bars into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, you can run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.
3. **Serve and enjoy:** Serve the pecan pie bars at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
* **Use cold butter:** For the flakiest shortbread crust, use very cold butter. You can even freeze the butter for 10-15 minutes before using it.
* **Don’t overmix the crust:** Overmixing the crust will result in a tough crust. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Press the crust firmly:** Pressing the crust firmly into the pan will prevent it from crumbling after baking.
* **Use fresh pecans:** Fresh pecans will have the best flavor and texture.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking the filling will result in a dry and cracked topping. Bake until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
* **Cool completely:** Cooling the bars completely is essential for the filling to set properly. Don’t be tempted to cut into them while they are still warm.
* **Use parchment paper:** Parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan and prevents them from sticking.
* **Prevent burning:** If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges of the pan with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
* **Optional additions:** Feel free to add a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a boozy twist. You can also sprinkle the bars with a pinch of sea salt before baking to enhance the sweetness.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Other Nuts:** While pecans are the classic choice, you can substitute other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Adjust the amount of nuts as needed.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the filling for a warmer, spicier flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the pecan filling for a chocolatey twist.
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute some of the corn syrup with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend for the shortbread crust to make these bars gluten-free. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for binding.
* **Vegan:** For a vegan version, use a vegan butter substitute for the crust and filling. Substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of corn syrup. Ensure your ingredients are certified vegan.
## Serving Suggestions
* Serve the pecan pie bars at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
* Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate sauce.
* Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful gift.
## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make-Ahead:** The pecan pie bars can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
* **Storage:** Store leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze pecan pie bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate per bar)
* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 10-12g
* Cholesterol: 50-60mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-45g
* Sugar: 30-35g
* Protein: 3-4g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
## Troubleshooting
* **Crust is too crumbly:** If the crust is too crumbly, add a tablespoon or two of cold water, mix until just combined, and then press into the pan.
* **Filling is too runny:** If the filling is too runny, bake the bars for a few more minutes until set. Be careful not to overbake.
* **Bars are sticking to the pan:** Make sure to line the baking pan with parchment paper. If the bars are still sticking, run a knife around the edges of the pan before lifting them out.
* **Pecans are burning:** If the pecans are browning too quickly, cover the bars with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
## Recipe Card
**Southern Pecan Pie Bars**
**Yields:** 16-24 bars
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 40-50 minutes
**Ingredients:**
**Shortbread Crust:**
* 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
* ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* ¼ teaspoon salt
**Pecan Pie Filling:**
* 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
* ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted
* 3 large eggs
* 1 cup light corn syrup
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 2 cups (200g) pecan halves
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. **Make the crust:** In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden.
3. **Make the filling:** In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. Stir in pecans.
4. Pour filling over the baked crust and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until filling is set. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
5. Lift bars from pan using parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
## Conclusion
These Southern Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. They are easy to make, portable, and packed with rich, nutty flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get ready to experience a taste of Southern comfort!