Chewy Pecan Pie Bars

Chewy Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious twist on the classic pecan pie. With a buttery, chewy filling and a crisp, shortbread-like crust, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and indulgent flavors. The best part? They’re easy to make and cut into perfect squares, making them an ideal treat for parties, holidays, or any occasion when you’re craving something sweet and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chewy Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful combination of a rich, gooey pecan pie filling and a buttery, flaky crust that holds everything together perfectly. Unlike traditional pecan pie, these bars are easier to serve, and they don’t require slicing into wedges. They’re packed with the same delicious flavors as the classic dessert, but in a much more convenient, portable form. The chewy filling paired with crunchy pecans creates a texture that is simply irresistible!

this Recipe

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups pecan halves or pieces

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together and is crumbly. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
5. Stir in the pecans, making sure they are evenly coated in the syrup mixture.
6. Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden. The center should be firm but slightly soft when touched. If it jiggles too much, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares or rectangles.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16-20 bars (depending on the size of your slices)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Variations

• Use different nuts: If you love nuts, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or even a mix of both for a different flavor.
• Add chocolate: For a chocolatey twist, you can add chocolate chips to the filling. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips work particularly well.
• Spiced pecan bars: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the filling for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Make them mini: If you want to make individual servings, you can bake the mixture in a muffin tin, adjusting the baking time to 20-25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Chewy Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you’d like to enjoy them warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use light or dark corn syrup?

Yes, both light and dark corn syrup will work in this recipe. Dark corn syrup will give the filling a deeper, more robust flavor, while light corn syrup will yield a milder sweetness.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them the day before and store them at room temperature for up to 4 days, or keep them in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

3. Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup?

While maple syrup can be used as a substitute, it will change the flavor slightly, giving it a more distinct maple taste. If you don’t mind the flavor difference, feel free to swap it in!

4. How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the filling is firm but slightly soft to the touch. It should not jiggle much when you gently shake the pan. If it seems too runny, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes and check again.

5. Can I make these bars without eggs?

Yes, you can use a flax egg or other egg substitute for a vegan version. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes before using it.

6. What size pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. If you use a smaller or larger pan, you may need to adjust the baking time.

7. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these Chewy Pecan Pie Bars freeze well. Wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

8. Can I use pre-chopped pecans?

Yes, pre-chopped pecans will work just as well in this recipe. If you want a chunkier texture, opt for larger pecan halves.

9. Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Definitely! Chocolate chips, whether semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate, will add a rich flavor to the bars. Stir in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.

10. How can I make the crust even flakier?

For a flakier crust, you can chill the dough before pressing it into the baking dish. This helps to prevent the butter from melting too quickly, creating a more tender and flaky crust.

Conclusion

Chewy Pecan Pie Bars are an easy-to-make, delicious dessert that brings all the flavors of a classic pecan pie in a more convenient, portable form. The combination of a buttery shortbread crust and gooey, nutty filling is irresistible and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating the holidays, or just craving a sweet treat, these bars are sure to become a favorite!

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