Simple Pecan Pie Bars

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If you’re like me, you look forward to pecan pie every fall — that rich, gooey filling, the buttery crunch of toasted pecans, and the flaky crust. But when I don’t have time to make a full pie, these Simple Pecan Pie Bars come to the rescue. They’re everything I love about classic pecan pie, just in a quicker, easier bar form. No rolling out pie dough or waiting for the perfect slice to set. These bars are grab-and-go perfection.

I first made these for a holiday potluck, and they vanished within minutes. The shortbread crust is crisp and buttery, while the filling is decadently soft with that signature caramel-like flavor. They’re perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or just a sweet treat to keep in the fridge. And trust me, once you try these, you might never go back to making a full pie again.

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Why You’ll Love These Simple Pecan Pie Bars

• No need to fuss with pie dough
• Perfect ratio of crust to filling in every bite
• Great make-ahead dessert for holidays or crowds
• Easy to cut and serve
• That same rich pecan pie flavor with less effort

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What Kind of Pecans Should I Use?

I always go for fresh, raw pecan halves — they toast up beautifully in the oven and give a warm, nutty flavor to each bite. You can roughly chop them for more texture or leave them whole for a pretty topping. Just avoid pre-roasted or salted ones since they can overpower the sweetness of the filling.

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Options for Substitutions

• Butter: You can use dairy-free or vegan butter for a plant-based version.
• Brown Sugar: Swap with coconut sugar or maple sugar if you prefer less refined options.
• Corn Syrup: If you want to avoid corn syrup, use maple syrup or golden syrup instead. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
• Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose blends work great here without compromising the crust.
• Pecans: Walnuts make a nice substitute, but the flavor will be slightly more bitter.

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Ingredients for These Simple Pecan Pie Bars

All-purpose flour – This forms the base of the shortbread crust. It provides the structure and keeps the crust tender but firm enough to hold the filling.

Granulated sugar – Used in the crust to add sweetness and help achieve a lightly golden, crisp texture.

Unsalted butter – Essential for both the crust and the filling. It adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Brown sugar – The base of the filling, lending deep caramel-like notes and moisture.

Corn syrup – Keeps the filling gooey and glossy. It gives the bars that classic pecan pie texture.

Large eggs – Help set the filling and bind everything together.

Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor, making the bars taste warm and comforting.

Salt – A small amount balances the sweetness and elevates the pecan flavor.

Pecan halves – The star of the show. They add crunch, nuttiness, and that iconic pecan pie look.

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Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.

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Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. This mixture should be thick and glossy.

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Step 3: Add the Pecans

Fold in the pecan halves or sprinkle them directly over the cooled crust. If you want a more decorative top, arrange the pecans whole and evenly before pouring the filling.

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Step 4: Pour and Bake

Carefully pour the filling over the pecans and crust. Use a spatula to gently spread the mixture evenly if needed. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggles in the center. It will firm up as it cools.

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Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Then transfer to the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan, slice into squares or rectangles, and serve.

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How Long to Prepare the Simple Pecan Pie Bars

Preparation Time: The crust takes about 10 minutes to mix and press into the pan. While it bakes (18–20 minutes), you can prepare the filling.

Baking Time: Once the filling is poured, the bars bake for another 30–35 minutes until set. Allow at least 1 hour of cooling and chilling before slicing. So overall, from start to finish, plan on about 2 hours (including cooling).

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Tips for Perfect Simple Pecan Pie Bars

• Toast your pecans lightly before adding for deeper flavor.
• Let the crust cool slightly before adding the filling to avoid sogginess.
• Chill before slicing for clean, even cuts.
• Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal.
• Don’t overbake! The center should have a slight jiggle; it sets as it cools.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using warm butter in the crust: Cold butter is key to a crumbly, crisp shortbread texture.
• Pouring filling on a hot crust: Wait a few minutes so the crust doesn’t absorb the filling unevenly.
• Overbaking: This can cause the filling to dry out or crack.
• Skipping the chill time: It makes a big difference for slicing.
• Using salted butter: It can throw off the sweetness balance.

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What to Serve With Simple Pecan Pie Bars?

1. Fresh Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened cream adds a cool contrast to the warm, gooey filling.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Perfect if you’re serving them slightly warm. The cold ice cream melts beautifully into the bars.

3. Hot Coffee or Espresso

The slight bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness of the bars.

4. Spiced Apple Cider

A warm mug of cider adds cozy seasonal flavor that pairs well with pecans.

5. Fresh Berries

A tart counterpoint to the rich and sweet filling, especially raspberries or blackberries.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: These bars can sit out for a day in an airtight container, ideally in a cool spot.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them chilled in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They taste great cold or can be brought to room temperature.

Freezer: Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil or a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per bar (based on 24 servings):

• Calories: 260
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 75mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they’re ideal for making ahead! Bake and chill a day or two in advance. Just store them tightly covered in the fridge.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger sheet pan or two 9×13 pans. Just make sure not to crowd the oven.

Do I have to use corn syrup?

No. Maple syrup or golden syrup are great substitutes, though they might result in a slightly different texture.

Why did my filling come out runny?

It may be underbaked or not chilled long enough. Be sure it jiggles slightly but isn’t liquid before removing from the oven.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes! Walnuts or chopped almonds work, though they’ll change the flavor profile slightly.

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Conclusion

Simple Pecan Pie Bars are the kind of dessert that delivers all the indulgence of classic pecan pie with a fraction of the effort. The buttery crust, the gooey filling, the crunchy pecans — each bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, prepping for the holidays, or just craving a cozy sweet, these bars are always a good idea. Easy to bake, easier to love.

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