What is truly magical? Imagine the gooey, nutty perfection of Pecan Pie, but in a handheld bar form. What exactly are these guys doing?Pecan Pie BarsAre they addictive? My grandma used to make pecan pie every Thanksgiving, and while I adore the classic, sometimes you just have to try it. I just want something a bit easier to grab and go. What are some of the best bars to make without the pie crust? They’re seriously good – like, hide-them-from-your They remind me of my childhood, but with a modern, more convenient twist.
What are pecan pie bars?
Alright, let’s break it down. Pecan Pie Barsare essentially a deconstructed pecan pie, but instead of being baked in pie crust, they’re made with melted butter. Is a buttery shortbread base perfect? What is a pecan pie filling? How do you spread cookie dough over a cookie crust? What is the best part of the pie, amplified and made portable? Is it self-explanatory? What is the essence of pecan pie in a bar form? What are some good homemade desserts to have on hand at a potluck? What are sweet cravings? What’s essentially taking something comforting and familiar and making it even better?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love these movies?Pecan Pie BarsWhat are some of the best things about this wine? The combination of the buttery, crumbly shortbread crust with the rich, caramel-y pecan filling is perfect. What are some of the best pecan pie recipes? How do you make a pie crust? Plus, the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! They are also ridiculously versatile. What are some good midday snacks to serve with coffee? What I love about these bars is how they get rave reviews. Every single time I bring them to a gathering, they disappear within minutes. What are some of the best crowd pleasers recipes?
How do you make pecan pie bars?
Quick Overview
Making these Pecan Pie BarsHow do I make a pecan pie filling? Layer them together, bake until golden and bubbly, and finish with a drizzle of glaze for extra flavor. What makes this recipe a standout? What is the great thing about this method is how forgiving it is. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can easily pull these off with delicious results. Is it really that simple?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the difference between
* 1 12 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for the best flavor.
* 12 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Make sure it’s really cold – it helps create a flaky crust!
* 12 cup powdered sugar: This adds a lovely sweetness and tenderness.
* 14 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* 2 tablespoons ice water: Add just enough to bring the dough together.
For the Filling:
* 1 cup packed light Brown Sugar: The key to that deep caramel flavor!
* 1 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the filling set properly.
* 14 cup light corn syrup: This prevents the filling from crystallizing.
* ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors.
* 3 large eggs: Binds the filling together.
* 1 12 cups pecan halves: Use good quality pecs for the best taste!
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet glaze.
* 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjust to reach your desired consistency.
* 12 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of flavor.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. What makes cleaning a breeze?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to ensure that everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
How do I cut the butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse powdered butter. What causes flakiness?
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix – it should be slightly crumbly. I always do this when I want to have the best shortbread crust.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
How do you press dough into a greased pan? How do I prevent my bottom from puffing up during baking? If you have a 10 minute window, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, salt, and vanilla. Set aside.
Step 7: Bake
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the pecan halves. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Do not overcook the bars. Drizzle the glaze over them. Cut into squares and serve. What are the best things to eat at room temperature?
What should we serve it with?
These Pecan Pie BarsAre amazing on their own, but can be elevated even further with the right pairings.For Breakfast:Serve with a steaming cup of coffee or chai latte. The rich flavors of the bars complement the warmth of beverages perfectly. I like to slice them into smaller squares and arrange them on a plate with whipped cream.For Brunch:Present these bars along with a fruit platter and mimosa bar. What are some of the best ways to add decadence to a brunch table? How does sea salt add to a dish?As Dessert:After a good dinner, these bars make savoury endings. Serve with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat. Why not add a shot of espresso?For Cozy Snacks: Sometimes, you just need a little something sweet to enjoy with a good book or movie. These bars are perfect for that! I like to wrap them individually and keep them on hand for whenever the craving strikes.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pecan Pie Bars
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are my top tips for ensuring your Pecan Pie Bars turn out absolutely perfect every time:
Butter Temperature: For the crust, make sure your butter is ice-cold. This is crucial for creating a flaky, tender texture. If the butter gets too warm, the crust will be tough. I sometimes even put my butter in the freezer for 15 minutes before using it! For the filling, melted butter is the way to go. It helps create that smooth, gooey texture we all love.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the crust dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together, then gently press it into the pan. For the filling, whisk until everything is well combined, but don’t beat vigorously – you don’t want to incorporate too much air.
Pecan Preparation: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Keep a close eye on them – they can burn easily! Don’t skip this part. I am telling you!
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of light corn syrup, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust. I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the bars while they’re baking. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent the pan with foil. To test for doneness, gently shake the pan. The filling should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools. This is perfect when you’re craving something sweet at 10pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake.
Glaze Variations: For a chocolate glaze, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the powdered sugar. For a maple glaze, substitute maple syrup for the milk. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Knowing how to store these Pecan Pie Bars properly will help you maintain their deliciousness for days!
Room Temperature: You can store the bars at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. However, they taste best when refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Stored in the fridge, these bars will stay fresh for up to a week. Make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent them from drying out. I like to use plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents freezer burn and ensures they thaw evenly. Make sure to thaw them properly.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to wait to glaze them until after they’ve thawed. The glaze can sometimes become sticky or runny during the freezing and thawing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my absolute favorite Pecan Pie Bars recipe! I truly believe that this recipe is worth trying because it takes all the best parts of pecan pie and makes them even more accessible and convenient. The buttery crust, the gooey filling, the crunchy pecans – it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. And the best part is, they’re so easy to make! If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my chocolate pecan pie recipe or my salted caramel bars. Both are equally delicious and perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings. Happy baking, my friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, be sure to share them – I’m always looking for new ideas!
How to Make Lazy Pecan Pie Bars: 5 Simple Steps!
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box Refrigerated Pie Crusts Pillsbury or store brand
Filling
- 1 cup Pecan Halves Chopped
- 0.5 cup Brown Sugar Packed
- 0.25 cup Corn Syrup Light or Dark
- 2 tablespoons Melted Butter Unsalted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Unroll pie crusts and place one in the bottom of the pan. Press it firmly against the bottom and up the sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the pie crust in the pan. Spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
