Simple Pecan Pie Bars

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These Simple Pecan Pie Bars deliver everything you love about a classic pecan pie but in an easy-to-make, shareable bar form. The crust is buttery and firm enough to hold its shape when sliced, while the topping is gooey, nutty, and rich with caramel flavor. Each bite gives you the perfect mix of texture and taste that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress at any gathering.

Whether you’re planning a holiday dessert table or looking for a cozy weekend treat, these bars hit the mark without the fuss of rolling out pie dough. They slice beautifully, travel well, and are crowd-pleasers every time. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for when you need a no-fail dessert that everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love These Simple Pecan Pie Bars

These bars come together with pantry staples and a straightforward method. The base is a shortbread-like crust that bakes up golden and crisp. The filling is rich with brown sugar and crunchy pecans, baked until just set for that irresistible chew. What makes these stand out is how they simplify a classic pie into a dessert you can pick up and enjoy by hand—no fork needed.

What Kind of Pecans Should I Use?

For this recipe, chopped pecans are best because they spread more evenly and make the bars easier to cut. You can use either raw or toasted pecans, but if you want an extra layer of flavor, give your pecans a quick toast in the oven before mixing them into the filling.

Ingredients for the Simple Pecan Pie Bars

Making these bars doesn’t require anything fancy, but each ingredient has a purpose to make the final result just right.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crust and gives it structure.
• Unsalted butter: Essential for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust subtly without overpowering the filling.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind the filling together and give it a custardy texture.
• Light corn syrup: Adds chewiness and that classic pecan pie consistency.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel flavor to the filling.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness with a warm, aromatic note.
• Chopped pecans: The star of the show, adding crunch and nutty richness.

How To Make the Simple Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling over the hot crust immediately after it comes out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the center is set and no longer jiggles.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares. You can speed this up by chilling them in the fridge for a bit.

How to Serve and Store Simple Pecan Pie Bars

These bars are perfect for serving at room temperature, making them ideal for parties, bake sales, or lunchbox treats. The recipe yields about 24 bars, depending on how you cut them, making it great for feeding a crowd.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them—just wrap each bar individually and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Simple Pecan Pie Bars?

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The rich nuttiness of these bars is beautifully balanced by a strong coffee.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm bar for a classic dessert combo.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a soft and creamy contrast.

Apple Cider

Serve these bars in the fall with a cup of warm apple cider to bring out the cozy flavors.

Caramel Drizzle

If you’re going for indulgence, a light caramel drizzle over the top is heavenly.

Greek Yogurt

For a breakfast-style twist, pair a bar with tangy plain Greek yogurt.

Mixed Berries

The tartness of fresh berries adds a refreshing brightness to the dense bars.

Chai Tea

Spiced tea brings a fragrant, warming note that complements the brown sugar filling.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you love these pecan pie bars, you’ll definitely want to try these other delicious treats:

• Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts for a quick and fluffy treat.
• Dr. Pepper Brownies for a bold, fudgy twist.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls if you want soft, fruity decadence.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread when you crave chocolate and peanut butter comfort.
• Southern Banana Cobbler for a warm, cozy spoon dessert.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go for toasted pecans? Maybe add a chocolate layer? I’d love to hear your twist on it.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and desserts on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Simple Pecan Pie Bars are your shortcut to the flavor of a homemade pecan pie with none of the stress. With a buttery base and chewy, nutty topping, these bars are as comforting as they are convenient. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just because—they’re a little slice of classic dessert joy in every square.

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