If you’ve ever dreamed of turning classic pecan pie into an easy, shareable treat you can eat with your hands, Easy Pecan Pie Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine everything you love about silky, nutty pecan pie—gooey brown sugar filling, buttery crust, crunchy pecans—all in a portable bar that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or just because. I’ve made these for potlucks and family gatherings, and they never fail to steal the dessert table spotlight. They’re simple to make, utterly decadent, and so undeniably crowd-pleasing you’ll want to bake them on repeat.

Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Easy Pecan Pie Bars is beautifully uncomplicated, which makes them the kind of treat you can whip up with pantry staples. Every component brings something special to the texture and flavor—richness from the butter, sweetness from two kinds of sugar, and, of course, that irresistible crunch from loads of pecans.

Unsalted butter: Melted butter forms the base of a buttery, tender crust that holds up to the gooey filling.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and structure to the shortbread-like crust.
All-purpose flour: Divided between the crust and the filling to provide both sturdiness and silkiness.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and deepen all the flavors.
Light brown sugar: Packed for maximum caramel flavor in the filling.
Light corn syrup: Gives the filling its signature silkiness and shine, preventing crystallization.
Large eggs: These bring everything together and create the custard in the pecan layer.
Pure vanilla extract: For that warm, aromatic note that makes the bars taste like homemade pecan pie.
Chopped pecans: The real star—toast them lightly for an even deeper, nuttier flavor.

How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a nice, even bake from the get-go. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a couple inches hanging over the edges—trust me, this makes removing and slicing the bars a breeze later on.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Shortbread Crust

In a large bowl, combine the melted (and slightly cooled) butter, granulated sugar, 2 cups of flour, and salt. Stir it all together until a soft dough comes together—it should look a bit like sugar cookie dough. Press this evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, smoothing it out so the corners aren’t neglected. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, just until it turns lightly golden. This crust will hold the dreamy filling, so it’s worth taking your time for an even layer.

Step 3: Mix the Pecan Pie Filling

While your crust is baking, grab another bowl. Whisk together the packed brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and that remaining 2/3 cup of flour until smooth and glossy. Now for the best part—stir in those chopped pecans. You’ll have a thick, nutty batter that smells amazing already.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

As soon as the crust comes out of the oven (while it’s still warm), pour the pecan filling evenly over the top. The warmth helps the filling settle into every nook. Slide the pan back into the oven for another 30 to 35 minutes. The bars are ready when the filling is set and just slightly firm to the touch—the top should have a gentle crackle and golden hue.

Step 5: Cooling and Slicing

This might just be the hardest part—waiting! Let the Easy Pecan Pie Bars cool completely in the pan so the filling can firm up and the bars hold together when cut. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the slab onto a cutting board and slice into neat squares. Admire those gorgeous layers before you dive in.

How to Serve Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Garnishes

Dust the tops with a little powdered sugar right before serving for a pretty finish, or add a swirl of whipped cream on the side to hint at classic pie vibes. A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce makes them extra decadent for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Since Easy Pecan Pie Bars are rich and sweet, pair them with something bright and fresh—think a fruit salad with citrus, or a tangy scoop of sorbet. For a cozier pairing, serve with a mug of strong coffee or spiced chai.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a cake stand or stacked in mini cupcake liners for grab-and-go dessert bites at parties. Or, serve them on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh berries and chocolate pieces for a dessert grazing setup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay tender, with that nice chewy filling and crisp crust.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Easy Pecan Pie Bars! Once cooled and sliced, layer the bars with parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just take out what you need and thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you love your pecan pie bars a little warm, pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F oven until gently warmed through. This brings back that just-baked flavor and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?

Absolutely. Using dark corn syrup will give your Easy Pecan Pie Bars an even deeper caramel flavor and a slightly darker color. Swap it in at a 1:1 ratio for a more traditional Southern vibe.

Do I need to toast the pecans first?

It’s not required, but lightly toasting the chopped pecans before mixing them into the filling enhances their rich, nutty flavor. It’s a small extra step that takes these bars from delicious to unforgettable.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free baking blend (one that substitutes cup for cup) and your Easy Pecan Pie Bars will be just as scrumptious and beautifully textured as the classic version.

How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

The filling should be set and slightly firm to the touch—give the pan a gentle jiggle; the center should no longer move much. The top will develop a slight glossy crackle, a sure sign it’s ready to cool.

Is it possible to halve the recipe?

Certainly! Just use an 8×8-inch square pan and halve all the ingredients. Keep an eye on bake times for both the crust and filling; you may need to trim off 5–10 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve made your first batch of Easy Pecan Pie Bars, you’ll see why this recipe gets requested over and over again in my house. They’re fast, foolproof, and always steal the show—whether at a holiday cookie swap or just for a cozy weekend treat. Give them a try and get ready for smiles and second helpings all around!

Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easy Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, featuring a buttery crust and a rich, nutty filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, 2 cups flour, and salt to form a dough. Press into the pan and bake for 18–20 minutes.
Make the Filling: Whisk brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and 2/3 cup flour. Stir in pecans. Pour over the crust.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until set. Cool completely, then cut into squares.

Notes

For a twist, try adding cinnamon or a mix of pecans and walnuts.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American