Homemade Pecan Pie Bars: A Shortbread-Infused Delight for Easy Entertaining
While I truly cherish the traditional process of baking a full pecan pie, there’s an undeniable charm and practicality to crafting pecan pie bars instead. The sheer ease of serving these delightful squares often makes them my go-to choice, especially when entertaining or preparing treats for gatherings. For years, my cherished recipe for these irresistible treats has been the Brown Sugar & Honey Pecan Bars, a reliable favorite that consistently delivers on flavor and convenience. However, my culinary journey recently led me to an exciting new discovery, one that brings a fresh perspective to this beloved dessert. Much like my long-standing favorite, this new recipe for Pecan Pie Bars is perfectly suited for an 8-inch square pan, making it incredibly manageable for home bakers.
The Inspiration: A Unique Recipe from “Cookies by the Dozen”
This particular recipe for pecan pie bars originates from an older, charming cookbook titled “Cookies by the Dozen.” Unfortunately, this culinary gem is no longer in print, but if you happen to stumble upon a copy in a used bookstore or your local library, consider yourself very fortunate! What truly sets this recipe apart is the author’s insightful description in the introduction, where they characterize these bars as “a favorite pie’s ingredients sandwiched between layers of brown sugar shortbread.” This isn’t merely a poetic flourish; it’s an incredibly accurate portrayal of what makes these bars so distinct and utterly delicious.
Unlike a conventional pecan pie, which typically features a rich, gooey, and often egg-heavy filling that sets into a custard-like consistency, these bars lean more towards the delightful characteristics of shortbread. The filling here is notably more compact and dense, contributing a satisfying chew rather than the expected eggy texture. The dominant flavor profile is undeniably that of the brown sugar shortbread, which forms both the sturdy base and a tantalizing crumb topping. This clever construction ensures that every bite offers a harmonious blend of buttery, crumbly shortbread and the sweet, nutty essence of pecans.
For those who crave the classic, highly custardy pecan pie experience, with its significant corn syrup and egg content, there are many excellent recipes designed to deliver precisely that. However, if your preference leans towards a dessert that is robust, travel-friendly, and offers a delightful contrast in textures with a pronounced shortbread character, then these Pecan Pie Bars are an absolute revelation. They are remarkably easy to portion, hold their shape beautifully, and are perfect for packing into lunchboxes, serving at picnics, or simply enjoying as a less-messy alternative to pie. The dense nature of the filling also means they handle slicing and serving with effortless grace, making them an ideal choice for any gathering where convenience is key.
My Personal Touches for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
Here, I’m sharing the recipe with a few minor adjustments that I’ve found enhance both the process and the final outcome. Instead of relying on cooking spray to prevent sticking, I consistently opt for nonstick foil to line the baking pan. This simple swap makes for incredibly easy removal and cleanup, ensuring your beautiful bars come out intact every time. Another personal preference involves the preparation of the shortbread crust: rather than creaming butter with sugar, I prefer using gently melted butter. This method not only simplifies the mixing process but also contributes to a tender, perfectly crumbly shortbread texture that forms the ideal foundation for these bars.
One of the many appealing aspects of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. From start to finish, the hands-on preparation time is minimal, allowing you to create a truly impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Even better, these bars are relatively quick to cool, needing only about an hour before they are ready to be sliced and savored. This makes them an excellent choice for last-minute baking or when you need a delicious treat that doesn’t demand extensive waiting.
More Delicious Bar & Cookie Recipes to Explore
- Half Dozen Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins
- Just a Dozen Orange Glazed Banana Oatmeal Mounds
- Peanut Butter Coconut Krispie Cookies
- Pretzel Caramel Shortbread Bars
- Blueberry Crumb Bars
Recipe
8 Inch Pan Pecan Pie Bars with Crumb Topping
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step to truly delicious pecan pie bars. Make sure your butter is fresh, your brown sugar is soft, and your pecans are fragrant and recently toasted for the best flavor payoff!
For the Shortbread Crust & Crumb Topping:
- 1 stick (114 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (100 grams)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon of salt
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (157 grams), plus an additional 3 tablespoons (24 grams) used separately for the topping
For the Pecan Filling:
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (28 grams)
- ⅓ cup dark corn syrup (100 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup toasted coarsely chopped pecans
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare an 8-inch square metal baking pan by lining it completely with nonstick foil. Ensure the foil extends over the edges to create “handles,” which will make it much easier to lift the bars out later. If nonstick foil isn’t available, regular aluminum foil can be used, but remember to lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the stick of butter. It’s crucial to use a lower heat setting, such as 50% power, and melt it slowly to avoid browning or burning the butter. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it is just melted and smooth.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly melted butter with the packed light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until well incorporated and smooth. Next, gradually add the 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft, crumbly dough forms and no dry streaks of flour remain. This will be your shortbread dough. Measure out a packed half cup (or weigh out 100 grams) of this dough and set it aside in a separate small bowl for the crumb topping.
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Take the remaining shortbread dough and firmly press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared 8-inch pan. You can use your fingers, the back of a spoon, or a flat-bottomed glass to create a compact, even crust. Bake this crust for 15 minutes, or until it appears set and the edges are lightly golden brown. This pre-baking step ensures a crispy base.
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Once the crust is pre-baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). This lower temperature is ideal for baking the filling gently and preventing it from overcooking.
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While the crust is cooling slightly and the oven temperature adjusts, add the additional 3 tablespoons (24 grams) of flour to the ½ cup of reserved shortbread dough. Use your fingertips to thoroughly crumble these together until you have a coarse, streusel-like mixture. This will form your delicious crumb topping.
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In another bowl, prepare the rich pecan filling. Combine the 2 tablespoons of melted butter, dark corn syrup, granulated sugar, large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the toasted coarsely chopped pecans. Stir all these ingredients together very well until the mixture is uniform and the pecans are fully coated. Carefully pour this luscious pecan mixture evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust in the pan.
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Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping mixture over the entire surface of the pecan filling. Distribute it gently to ensure a consistent layer.
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Double-check that your oven has indeed reached the reduced temperature of 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) before placing the bars inside. This is crucial for proper baking.
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Bake the pecan pie bars for approximately 40 to 45 minutes. The bars are done when the top has achieved a slight golden-brown hue, and the center feels firm when gently pressed. Avoid overbaking to maintain a delightful texture.
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Allow the baked bars to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes on a wire rack. This initial cooling helps them set. After 20 minutes, use the foil “handles” to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. While still warm, score the bars into 12 equal portions with a sharp knife (do not separate them completely yet). Let them cool completely at room temperature before fully separating and serving. This ensures clean cuts and a perfectly set filling.
Why These Pecan Pie Bars Will Become Your New Favorite
These pecan pie bars offer a fantastic departure from traditional pecan pie while retaining all the beloved flavors. The shortbread crust provides a sturdy, buttery foundation that beautifully complements the rich, nutty filling. The dense, chewy filling is less messy than a gooey pie slice, making these bars perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home without a fork. The crumb topping adds another layer of texture and an extra dimension of brown sugar goodness, ensuring every bite is utterly satisfying. They are incredibly easy to transport, store, and serve, making them a practical yet luxurious dessert option for any occasion.
Expert Tips for Baking Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
- Toasting Pecans: For the best flavor, lightly toast your pecans before chopping and adding them to the filling. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, or spread on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. This really brings out their natural aroma and nutty taste.
- Gentle Butter Melting: When melting butter for the shortbread, be mindful not to let it brown. Browning changes the flavor profile to a nutty, caramel note (brown butter), which is delicious but not what we’re aiming for in this particular shortbread. Gentle melting preserves its classic buttery taste.
- Even Crust: Pressing the shortbread crust evenly into the pan is key to ensuring it bakes uniformly. Use the bottom of a flat-sided glass or a measuring cup to achieve a smooth, consistent layer.
- Cooling is Crucial: While it’s tempting to cut into these bars warm, allowing them to cool completely is vital. This gives the filling time to set properly, resulting in clean, firm slices. Patience will be rewarded with perfect bar texture.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can slightly reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the filling, but avoid reducing the corn syrup too much as it contributes to the texture.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These versatile pecan pie bars are fantastic on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them further. Serve them at room temperature for a classic experience, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to bring out their gooey center. A dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce can turn these bars into an even more decadent treat. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
To store, place the cooled pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you plan to make them ahead for a special event, these bars also freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
The Enduring Appeal of Pecan Desserts
Pecans hold a special place in the heart of American baking, particularly when it comes to desserts. Their rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch make them a beloved ingredient in countless recipes, from simple roasted pecans to elaborate holiday pies. Native to North America, pecans have a long history, cherished by indigenous peoples long before European settlers discovered them. They became a staple in Southern cuisine, especially after the development of commercial pecan groves in the 19th century. Pecan pie itself is an iconic dessert, deeply associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas, symbolizing warmth, tradition, and abundance. These pecan pie bars capture that same comforting essence but offer it in a more convenient, crowd-plepleasing format, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table, whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or a grand festive feast. Their unique shortbread character ensures they stand out, providing a delightful twist on a timeless favorite.