Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

These irresistible Pecan Pie Bars feature a rich, buttery shortbread crust topped with a sweet, gooey caramel filling and a generous handful of pecans.

They’re easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a cozy treat, these bars will hit the spot in under an hour!

For the Crust:

All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crust.
Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
Fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness of the crust.
Unsalted butter – Provides richness and helps bind the crust together.

For the Filling:

Light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a bit of molasses flavor.
Honey – Provides a smooth, natural sweetness.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness to the filling.
Heavy whipping cream – Creates a creamy texture for the caramel.
Fine sea salt – Enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
Vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth to the filling.
Coarsely chopped pecans – The star of the filling, providing crunch and flavor.

Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Craving the perfect blend of buttery, crunchy, and sweet? These Pecan Pie Bars are an irresistible holiday favorite! With a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust, gooey caramel filling, and a generous handful of pecans, they’re the ultimate treat to wow your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 55

Servings: bars

Notes

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
12 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces

For the Filling:

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup honey
12 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans (about 14 oz)

Instructions

For the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later. Lightly coat the paper with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
In a food processor, pulse together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt until combined. Add the cold diced butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it evenly into the bottom. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is set and lightly golden on the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

For the Pecan Pie Filling:

In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, butter, cream, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans, mixing well to combine.
Pour the warm pecan mixture over the partially cooled crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and golden caramel in color.
Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack before cutting.
Once cooled, use the parchment or foil to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into 2-inch squares. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition

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Can I make Pecan Pie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be baked a day or two in advance. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Perfect for prepping ahead for gatherings!
How should I store the bars if I have leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. They’re still delicious cold!
Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars?
Yes, you can! Freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Sure! If you prefer, walnuts can be used instead of pecans. They have a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still work beautifully in the filling.
How do I make it easier to cut and serve?
Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled. Then, simply cut into squares for clean, neat servings!