Name: Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp fine sea salt; 12 Tbsp unsalted butter (cold, diced); 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup honey; 12 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 tsp fine sea salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans (14 oz)

Introduction to Pecan Pie Bars

Creating homemade Pecan Pie Bars is an experience that beautifully marries taste with nostalgia. If you love the classic flavors of pecan pie, this recipe offers all of those beloved elements in a conveniently portable form. Imagine the buttery shortbread crust topped with luscious pecan filling, all nestled into bite-sized bars—easy to bake, share, or savor yourself!

Why Try Homemade Pecan Pie Bars?

Homemade pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on the traditional pie and are perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to picnics. Their rich, caramel-like filling provides that satisfying crunch from the pecans, which can elevate any dessert platter. Plus, whipping up a batch doesn’t require a whole day in the kitchen; the combination of a simple crust and a quick filling makes this dessert both approachable and irresistible.

Moreover, there’s an undeniable joy in creating something from scratch. The aroma of baking sweets can transform any kitchen into a warm, inviting space. For more creative dessert ideas, check out the American Pecan Council. You might find yourself inspired to explore even more ways to incorporate pecans into your meals! So, get ready to dive into this easy pecan pie bars recipe that promises to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars

When crafting these delicious pecan pie bars, the ingredients play a pivotal role in achieving that perfect blend of flavor and texture. Let’s break it down into two essential parts: the crust and the filling.

For the Crust

The crust forms the foundation of your pecan pie bars recipe, offering a buttery, crumbly base that complements the rich filling. You’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
12 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold and diced

Make sure your butter is really cold, as it helps create that flaky texture we love in a good shortbread crust.

For the Filling

The filling is where the magic truly happens—we’re talking about sweet and sticky goodness that brings everything together. Gather these ingredients:

¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup honey
12 tablespoon unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ½ cups coarsely chopped pecans (about 14 oz)

The combination of brown sugar and honey infuses the filling with deep, caramelized flavors, making these bars an absolute crowd-pleaser. For more tips on ingredient selection, check out resources like King Arthur Baking for expert advice!

Now that you’ve got the basics down, you’re ready to dive into the fun part—baking! Are you excited to whip up these delightful pecan pie bars?

Preparing Pecan Pie Bars

Making these delightful pecan pie bars is a fantastic way to bring warmth and sweetness to your kitchen. With the combination of a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, you’ll soon have a treat that's perfect for sharing at any gathering. Let's dive into the preparation process, step by step.

Preheat the oven and prepare your baking pan

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your crust gets that perfect golden hue while baking. Next, grab a 9x13 baking pan and line it with either foil or parchment paper. I like to let some of the paper hang over the sides; this little trick makes it easier to lift out the bars later on. Once lined, give it a quick spritz with non-stick cooking spray, and set it aside.

Make the crust dough

Now, let’s whip up the crust for our pecan pie bars recipe. In a food processor, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Pulse a couple of times to mix. This is where that cold, diced 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter comes into play. Add it and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces. If you don’t have a food processor, a pastry cutter will do just fine! Transfer this mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Bake the crust until golden brown

Let’s get that crust baking! Pop your pan into the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes. You want it to be set and have the edges lightly browned. This step lays the foundation for the delicious topping that’s to come. Once done, take it out and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the pecan filling

In a large saucepan, it’s time to make that heavenly filling. Combine ¾ cup of light brown sugar, ½ cup of honey, 12 tablespoons of butter, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Bring this to a boil while stirring frequently. After boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes. The caramel will thicken beautifully. Remove it from heat and gently stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 3 ½ cups of coarsely chopped pecans until everything is well combined.

Assemble and bake the pecan pie bars

With the filling ready, pour this luscious mixture over your warm crust. It’s about to get even more delicious! Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly caramel color on top that signals perfection is near.

Cool and cut into squares

As hard as it may be, patience is key! Once baked, set your pan on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the bars out, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into 2-inch squares. Now, these pecan pie bars are ready to impress your family and friends!

For more great recipes, check out Food52's baking tips to elevate your cooking game!

Variations on Pecan Pie Bars

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

For a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie bars recipe, try adding chocolate! Just fold in half a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into your pecan filling. This adds a rich, indulgent layer to your bars, making them a perfect dessert for chocolate lovers. Whether you're serving them at a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, this variation will surely impress.

Nut-free Pecan Pie Bars

If you're accommodating nut allergies, don’t fret! Instead of pecans, you can substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. The texture will still be delightful, and you can achieve a similar gooeyness by sticking to the original caramel base. This pecan pie bars recipe variant ensures that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat, regardless of nut restrictions.

For further inspiration, check out this article on nut substitutes for baking!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Pecan Pie Bars

Choosing the Right Pecans

When preparing your pecan pie bars recipe, opt for fresh, high-quality pecans. Look for those that are plump and have a rich aroma, which indicates freshness. If possible, buy them in bulk from local markets or health food stores. Toasting the pecans before adding them to your filling can enhance their flavor, making your bars even more irresistible. Just remember, toasted pecans should be cooled before mixing.

Tips for a Perfect Crust Texture

The crust is crucial for the structure of your bars, so it’s important to get it right! To achieve that delightful buttery texture, use cold, diced butter and handle the dough as little as possible. After baking, let the crust cool slightly before pouring in the pecan filling—this helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy. For an extra crunch, consider adding a pinch of chopped pecans into the crust mix!

Serving suggestions for Pecan Pie Bars

Pairing with Ice Cream

Nothing enhances the rich flavor of these pecan pie bars like a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side. The cool, luscious texture of the ice cream beautifully contrasts the chewy, nutty filling, creating a delightful balance. You might even consider trying a scoop of caramel or butter pecan ice cream for an extra flavor boost. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Adding a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

For a touch of decadence, finish your pecan pie bars recipe with a warm drizzle of caramel sauce. This simple addition elevates the flavor profile, adding a sweet and sticky dimension that complements the nuts perfectly. Just be careful — once you start drizzling, it’s hard to stop! Plus, this serves as a great conversation starter at gatherings, adding a gourmet element to your dessert.

You can also find inspiration for additional toppings and pairings on Food Network's dessert guide.

Time Breakdown for Pecan Pie Bars

Preparation Time

Preparing your pecan pie bars recipe is quick and easy. You'll only need about 15 minutes to gather your ingredients and put together the crust and filling.

Baking Time

The baking process will take approximately 40 minutes. This includes baking the crust for about 20 minutes followed by baking the filled bars until bubbly and golden.

Total Time

In just 55 minutes, you can whip up a batch of delectable pecan pie bars, perfect for sharing or indulging yourself. For detailed instructions, you might want to check out more trusted cooking resources like Bon Appétit or EatingWell.

These bars are simple yet incredibly satisfying, making them a great addition to your dessert table. Have you ever made a dessert that was quicker to prepare than to enjoy?

Nutritional Facts for Pecan Pie Bars

Calories

Each delicious serving of our pecan pie bars recipe contains approximately 261 calories. This makes them a delightful treat without overindulging during your dessert course.

Sugar Content

These bars are sweetened with brown sugar and honey, contributing around 17 grams of sugar per serving. While they satisfy your sweet tooth, remember to enjoy them in moderation!

Fiber Content

Packed with wholesome pecans, you’ll find about 2 grams of dietary fiber in each bar. Not only do they make a delicious snack, but they also help keep you feeling fuller for longer!

For more insights about nutrition, check out sources like Healthline or the USDA FoodData Central for detailed dietary information.

Now that you know the nutritional breakdown, let's dive into how you can whip up these tasty pecan pie bars!

FAQs about Pecan Pie Bars

Can I make these bars in advance?
Absolutely! These pecan pie bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them a day or two before your event and store them in your refrigerator. They taste just as delicious when enjoyed cold, or you can warm them slightly before serving.

How should I store leftovers?
To store your leftover pecan pie bars, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Definitely! If you're short on ingredients, feel free to get creative. You can swap honey for maple syrup, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, or even replace pecans with other nuts like walnuts. Check out more ingredient substitution ideas on Food Network. Just remember, making changes could slightly alter the flavor and texture, so it’s all about finding what works for your taste buds!

Conclusion on Pecan Pie Bars

In conclusion, this pecan pie bars recipe brings together rich flavors and a delightful texture, making it an irresistible treat for gatherings or special occasions. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of a holiday platter, these bars are sure to impress your guests. Bake a batch and savor every bite!