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Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

These Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious twist on classic pecan pie, featuring a buttery crust topped with a rich, creamy pecan filling. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these bars are ideal for dessert or a sweet treat any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light corn syrup (or maple syrup)
  • 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound pecans (roasted and roughly chopped)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the crust and later the pecan topping.
  2. Prepare the Crust – Beat: Beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, to create a smooth base.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and pure vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt into a large bowl to ensure even distribution and a lighter crust texture.
  5. Mix Dough: Gradually mix the sifted dry ingredients into the wet batter at low speed until well combined, forming the dough.
  6. Press and Bake Crust: Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan. If sticky, lightly dust with flour. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is just set. Let it cool fully before adding the filling to avoid damaging the crust.
  7. Prepare Topping – Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together light brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt for the pecan filling base.
  8. Heat Sugar Mixture: Place the sugar mixture in a saucepan over medium-low heat to warm it gently, preparing it for the remaining ingredients.
  9. Add Wet Ingredients: Quickly whisk in egg yolks, maple syrup (or light corn syrup), and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
  10. Simmer Filling: Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
  11. Add Butter: Remove from heat and stir in cold diced butter until melted completely, creating a rich and smooth texture.
  12. Fold in Pecans and Vanilla: Gently fold in the roasted and roughly chopped pecans along with vanilla extract to enhance flavor and texture.
  13. Build and Bake Filling: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the cooled crust, taking care not to let it seep between the crust and pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the filling is set.
  14. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the bars cool fully. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours to chill and firm up before cutting into bars and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the crust is fully cooled before adding the topping to prevent cracking or mixing.
  • Roasting the pecans enhances their flavor; you can roast them in a dry skillet or the oven.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
  • Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a natural sweetness and richer flavor profile.
  • Store bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness.
  • Cut bars with a sharp knife for clean edges after refrigeration.
  • If dough is too sticky to press, dust your hands and surface lightly with flour to handle easier.

Keywords: Pecan Pie Bars, pecan dessert, pie bars, pecan pie, baked dessert, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/pecan-pie-bars-recipe/