Go Back
Easy Chocolate Pecan Bars Recipe

Easy Chocolate Pecan Bars

Buttery shortbread-style bars are topped with a sweetened-condensed-milk mixture, semisweet chocolate chips, and chopped pecans. The result is a chewy, chocolate-rich dessert with a golden crust and plenty of nutty texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1 cup (226 g) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup (135 g) Granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (250 g) All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Filling
  • 1 14-ounce can (396 g) Sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 large Large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (170 g) Semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (110 g) Pecans, coarsely chopped

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides, or grease the pan thoroughly.
  2. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until blended. Mix in the flour and salt until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to color.
  4. While the crust bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Stir the semisweet chocolate chips and coarsely chopped pecans into the condensed-milk mixture.
  6. Spread the filling evenly over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.
  7. Bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
  8. Cool the bars completely in the pan for at least 1 hour before lifting them out and cutting into about 24 bars.

Notes

Do not overbake; the center should look set but still slightly soft because it firms as it cools. Toast the pecans at 350°F for 5-8 minutes before using for a stronger nutty flavor. Store cooled bars in an airtight container.