Pecan Pie Bars

Craving a sweet and nutty treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing? Pecan pie bars are the answer! These bars pack all the deliciousness of a traditional pecan pie into a convenient, easy-to-eat form.

With a buttery, crumbly crust and a rich, gooey filling loaded with toasted pecans, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering or just for a cozy afternoon treat, Pecan Pie Bars will hit the spot every time!

Ingredients List

Creating these mouthwatering Pecan Pie Bars requires a balance of ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need for each element of this sweet, nutty dessert:

For the Crust:

• ¾ cup (3¾oz/105g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (2oz/57g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (1oz/28g) cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (4oz/115g) butter (cold and diced)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups (10oz/284g) pecans (toasted and roughly chopped)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ⅔ cup (5floz/142ml) pure maple syrup
• ½ cup (4oz/115g) granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons (2oz/28g) butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

Required Kitchen Tools

When making Pecan Pie Bars, having the right kitchen tools is essential to streamline the process and ensure success. Here are the tools you’ll need:

1. Food Processor or Pastry Cutter: For making the crust, a food processor or pastry cutter helps blend the cold butter into the flour mixture for that perfect crumbly texture.
2. Candy Thermometer: If you want to ensure the syrup reaches the perfect temperature of 225°F (110°C), a candy thermometer will be your best friend.
3. 8-inch Square Baking Pan: A square baking pan is ideal for making the bars, allowing them to bake evenly and cut into perfect squares.
4. Aluminum Foil: Line your baking pan with aluminum foil for easy removal of the bars once they’ve cooled.

These tools will make your pecan pie bar-making process smoother and more efficient, ensuring you get those perfectly baked bars every time.

Crust Preparation

Making the perfect crust for your Pecan Pie Bars is the first step toward creating this irresistible dessert. The crust is buttery, crumbly, and provides the ideal base to hold the rich, nutty filling. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Mixing the Ingredients for the Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor (or a large mixing bowl), whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt. These dry ingredients create the foundation of your crust.
2. Add Cold Butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. If you’re using a food processor, pulse until the mixture resembles damp crumbs. If you’re working by hand, use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture. The key is to leave some larger pieces of butter so that the crust will be flaky and buttery when baked.
3. Form the Dough: Once the butter is incorporated, gather the dough into a ball. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon or two of cold water to bring it together.
4. Press into the Pan: Transfer the dough to the prepared 8-inch square baking pan. Use your hands to press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, making sure it’s well-packed and flat.
5. Prick the Dough: Use a fork to prick the dough all over. This prevents the crust from puffing up as it bakes, ensuring an even, crispy texture.
6. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes or until it is dry and a pale golden color. Once baked, remove it from the oven and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s slightly cracked—it will be covered by the filling.

After the Crust Bakes

Once the crust has finished baking, it’s time to increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the next steps of the recipe. But before that, be sure to spread the toasted pecans evenly over the warm crust so they’ll soak up the flavors of the filling later on.

Filling Preparation

Now that the crust is prepped and ready, it’s time to prepare the rich, gooey filling that will make these Pecan Pie Bars so irresistible. The filling is a sweet, maple-flavored concoction that binds the toasted pecans together and creates a decadent, chewy texture. Here’s how to make it:

Making the Pecan Pie Filling

1. Prepare the Eggs: In a small mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs until they’re well mixed and smooth. Set them aside for later.
2. Heat the Syrup and Sugar: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pure maple syrup and granulated sugar. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Stir the mixture occasionally and heat it until the temperature reaches 225°F (110°C). This will ensure that the syrup achieves the proper consistency for the filling.
3. Combine Syrup and Eggs: Once the syrup reaches the correct temperature, remove it from the heat. Very gradually drizzle the hot syrup into the beaten eggs, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. This slow process ensures that the eggs won’t cook and form curds when mixed with the hot syrup.
4. Add the Butter and Vanilla: After the syrup is incorporated into the eggs, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any small bits. Pour it into a glass measuring cup with a spout, and whisk in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. The butter will add a rich creaminess to the filling, while the vanilla provides a sweet aroma.
5. Pour the Filling Over the Pecans: Carefully pour the syrup mixture over the pecans that are already spread over the crust. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed so that every bite is packed with flavor.

Baking the Bars

1. First Bake: Place the pan back into the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes. This initial bake helps the filling begin to set.
2. Lower the Temperature: After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the edges of the filling are set and the center is bubbly. The bars are done when the filling is firm, and the top has a golden, slightly crispy finish.

Serving, Storing, and Enjoying Pecan Pie Bars

Your Pecan Pie Bars are now ready to be served, but the final touches and storage instructions are key to ensuring they stay fresh and delicious. Here’s how to make the most of your pecan-filled treat:

Serving the Pecan Pie Bars

Once your bars have cooled completely, it’s time to slice and enjoy! The crust should be firm and buttery, while the filling will be sweet and gooey with the perfect nutty crunch from the pecans. Here are some ideas for serving and presentation:

1. Cut into Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into 9 squares. For a cleaner look, you can wipe the knife between each cut.
2. Optional Garnishes: For an extra special touch, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little extra maple syrup. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to serve them as a decadent dessert.
3. Perfect for Sharing: These bars are perfect for gatherings and can be served on a platter for easy sharing. They’re also great for gift-giving or adding to a dessert table at a special event.

How to Store Pecan Pie Bars

To keep your Pecan Pie Bars fresh and delicious, here’s how to store them properly:

1. At Room Temperature: You can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is the best option if you plan to enjoy them within a few days after baking.
2. Refrigeration: If you prefer your bars to last a bit longer, store them in the fridge. The filling may firm up slightly in the refrigerator, but they’ll still be delicious. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Pecan Pie Bars

If you want to extend the life of your bars, freezing them is an option:

1. Freeze Before Slicing: If you want to freeze the bars, it’s best to freeze them whole before cutting. Wrap the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. These can be frozen for up to 3 months.
2. Thawing: To thaw, remove the bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful and convenient twist on the classic pecan pie, combining all the rich, sweet, and nutty flavors of the original into a portable form. With their buttery crust, gooey maple filling, and toasted pecans, they are the perfect treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or enjoying them all by yourself, these bars will surely become a go-to dessert recipe. Plus, with easy-to-follow instructions and storage tips, you can enjoy them fresh or save them for later.