Easy Pecan Pie Bars 🥧🥜 – Gooey, Nutty & Totally Holiday-Ready (No Crust Anxiety!)
Let’s be honest — as much as we love pecan pie, the crust can be intimidating. That’s where these Easy Pecan Pie Bars come in: they give you every bit of that rich, caramelized pecan goodness without any of the pastry stress.
These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust , baked right in a pan, topped with a silky, syrupy filling loaded with chopped pecans and warm vanilla notes. They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want something sweet, simple, and deeply comforting.
Let’s dive into how to make them!
🍯 Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars
- No pie crust anxiety : Just press and bake — no rolling or crimping needed.
- Gooey, caramel-like filling : Sweet, sticky, and packed with toasted pecans.
- Perfect texture combo : Crispy crust, soft center, crunchy top — pure bliss.
- Make-ahead magic : Tastes even better the next day!
- Great for sharing : Cut into squares and pass around the holiday table.
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 16–20 Bars)
For the crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter , cut into cubes
- ¼ tsp salt
For the filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
🔪 Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper or foil
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Pastry cutter or blender (for crust)
- Spatula
- Measuring tools
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, letting it overhang slightly on two sides for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the paper for extra insurance.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl:
- Combine flour , sugar , and salt .
- Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your hands or the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 20 minutes , or until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven but leave the oven on — you’ll return the pan to bake the whole bar shortly.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together in a large bowl:
- Eggs
- Corn syrup
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Stir well until completely smooth.
Fold in the chopped pecans until fully coated in the syrupy mixture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake Again
Pour the warm pecan filling directly over the hot crust.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes , or until the center is just set and doesn’t jiggle when shaken.
Tip: The edges will be golden and slightly puffed — this means it’s done perfectly.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Cutting
Let the pan cool completely at room temperature — this usually takes about 2 hours .
For clean slices, lift the cooled slab out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16–20 bars .
🍰 Serving Suggestions
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert indulgence.
- Drizzled with dark chocolate or caramel sauce for extra richness.
- Alongside a cup of strong coffee or herbal tea for a cozy treat.
- Wrapped individually for holiday gifting or lunchbox snacks .
- Served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt .
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days .
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months . Thaw at room temperature before eating.
- Make Ahead: These bars taste even better after resting overnight — great for preparing the night before a party or event.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave (10–15 seconds) or in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for crispiness.
✅ Expert Tips for Success
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother filling.
- Toast the pecans lightly before adding for deeper flavor (optional).
- Don’t skip cooling the bars — cutting while warm leads to messy slices.
- For a gluten-free version , substitute the flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Want a lighter option ? Try using maple syrup or honey instead of corn syrup.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights
While definitely a treat, pecan pie bars do offer some benefits:
- Pecans are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Eggs and butter provide protein and essential vitamins like A and D.
- Corn syrup and brown sugar add sweetness and help create that signature gooey texture.
- Enjoy in moderation — one bar is more than enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.
📝 Final Thoughts
These Easy Pecan Pie Bars prove that holiday desserts don’t have to be stressful. With their golden crust, rich filling, and generous handfuls of pecans, they deliver all the warmth and comfort of classic pecan pie — but with way less effort and zero crust drama.
Whether you’re new to baking or looking to simplify your holiday menu, these bars are sure to become a go-to favorite.
So grab your pan, pour in that nutty, syrupy goodness, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of pure holiday joy.
