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The Best Pecan Pie Bars for Any Occasion

The Best Pecan Pie Bars for Any Occasion

These pecan pie bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, chewy pecan filling. The recipe makes about 24 squares and is ideal for holidays, bake sales, potlucks, and casual desserts.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Crust
  • 2 cups (240 g) All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine salt
  • 1 cup (226 g) Unsalted butter, melted
Pecan Filling
  • 3 Large eggs
  • 1 cup (320 g) Light or dark corn syrup
  • 1 cup (200 g) Packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine salt
  • 2 cups (about 200 g) Pecan halves or pieces

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on two sides to lift out the cooled bars.
  2. Stir together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt for the crust. Mix in the melted butter until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
  4. While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in the pecans.
  5. Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust and spread the pecans evenly across the surface.
  6. Bake for another 25–35 minutes, until the center is set but still has a slight, gentle wobble. The filling should not look liquid.
  7. Cool completely in the pan for at least 1–2 hours. Chill briefly for especially clean cuts, then lift out with the parchment and slice.

Notes

Bake the filling on the hot crust so the layers adhere and the crust stays firm. Do not overbake; the filling continues to firm as it cools. For neat squares, use a sharp knife lightly coated with butter or cooking spray and wipe the blade between cuts. Toast pecans for 5–8 minutes at 350°F before using for a deeper nutty flavor.