These easy pecan pie bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling. A delicious classic dessert for holidays and gatherings.
If you love classic pecan pie, you’re going to love these Pecan Pie Bars. They have a tender, buttery shortbread crust and a rich, caramel-like pecan topping that’s perfectly sweet and chewy.
They’re easier to serve than traditional pie and make a wonderful dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or any family gathering.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Pecan Filling
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make the finished bars much easier to remove.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the softened butter and mix until the ingredients come together into a crumbly dough.
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for approximately 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
3. Prepare the Pecan Filling
While the crust is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Finally, stir in the chopped pecans.
4. Add the Filling
Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the warm crust.
Spread the pecans around if necessary so the topping is distributed evenly.
5. Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes.
The filling should look set around the edges while the center still has a slight softness.
Don’t worry if it seems a little soft when it first comes out—it will firm up as it cools.
6. Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
For cleaner slices, refrigerate them for a little while before cutting.
Use the parchment-paper overhang to lift the entire dessert from the pan, then cut into squares or rectangles.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
Don’t overbake them. Overbaking can make the filling hard rather than soft and chewy.
Cool completely before slicing. The filling needs time to set.
Toast the pecans first. Lightly toasting them can give the bars an even deeper nutty flavor.
Use parchment paper. It makes removing and cutting the bars much easier.
Cut them small. These bars are rich, so small squares are usually the perfect serving size.
How to Store
Store leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container.
They can be kept at room temperature for a short period or refrigerated for longer storage. If refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature briefly before serving for a softer texture.
Can You Freeze Pecan Pie Bars?
Yes! Once completely cooled, wrap the bars tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for several weeks. Thaw them in the refrigerator and bring them toward room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Pecan Pie Bars bring all the flavors of traditional pecan pie into an easy-to-make, hand-held dessert. The buttery crust, gooey caramel-like filling, and crunchy pecans make every bite irresistible.