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.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Crust Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor (or a large mixing bowl), whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Pulse in the food processor or use a pastry cutter to incorporate until the mixture resembles damp crumbs.
- Gather the dough into a ball. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon or two of cold water to bring it together.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and press evenly into the bottom.
- Use a fork to prick the dough all over to prevent puffing during baking.
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes until dry and golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Filling Preparation
- Lightly beat the eggs in a small mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup and sugar. Heat over medium until the mixture reaches 225°F (110°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Gradually drizzle the hot syrup into the eggs while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Strain the syrup mixture into a measuring cup, then whisk in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Spread toasted pecans evenly over the warm crust, then pour the syrup mixture over them.