How do I make Pecan Pie Bars? What is a little slice of heaven? Think pecan pie, but without the fuss of making a whole pie crust. Is pecan pie’s cooler, more laid-back cousin? When my grandma made these for Thanksgiving, they disappeared faster than you. Can you say “seconds, please!”? ” And honestly, they’re just as satisfying as a perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie but with that nutty, caramel flavor. What do pecans have in common? What is your favorite pecan pie recipe?
What are pecan pie bars?
What exactly is your opinion about it?areWhat are pecan pie bars? Imagine the gooey, decadent filling of a classic pecan pie, but spread over buttery shortbread. What is pecan pie in bar form? The name comes from the combination of the pecan pie filling, which is a sweet, sticky mixture of toasted almonds and raisins. Is the fact that it’s baked in a rectangular pan and cut into cubes makes it easier to eat.? Think of it as a more portable, shareable, and dare I say, easier version of pecan pie. What’s the perfect treat for potlucks, holidays, or just when you need a little something sweet to celebrate. How can I brighten my day? Is it true that once you try these, you might never go back to making a full pie again!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why do you love Pecan Pie Bars? First of all, the flavor is out of this world! What are some of the best shortbread recipes? What is the caramel flavor of pecan pie filling? Is it a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for another bar before you even realize it? What is the best way to finish first What I love most about this is how surprisingly easy it is to make. If you’re a novice baker, you can easily nail this recipe. No complicated pie crust techniques required! Plus, these are incredibly cost-efficient. Is it true that you already have most of the ingredients in your pantry?
And let’s not forget the versatility! Is it better to serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? What are some of the best snacks to have in your lunchbox? What are some of the best ways to enjoy a cup of tea during the holidays? Honestly, I’ve made these bars countless times, and they always disappear in minutes. Is it really that good? If you like chocolate brownies or apple crisp, you’re going to love these. I love pecan pie bars. They are delicious! They’ve got that same comforting, home-baked feel, but with a unique nutty twist.
How do you make pecan pie bars?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make pecan pie bars? How do I make a shortbread crust? What is the recipe for pecan pie filling? What are the ingredients for vanilla extract, maple syrup, and corn syrup If you pour the filling over the crust, bake it until golden brown and bubbly, and then let it cool. Before slicing into bars, remove excess fat from the bar What is the best part about making these bars? Is it a simple process?
Ingredients
For the Crust:
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for the best flavor. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes: Cold butter is key for a flaky crust! * 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning. * 2-3 tablespoons ice water: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Just enough to bring the dough together.
For the Filling:
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds that classic caramel flavor. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the filling set. * 1/2 cup light corn syrup: Provides sweetness and a chewy texture. * 1/4 cup heavy cream: Is it too sweet? What makes the filling extra creamy and decadent? * 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness. * 3 cups pecan halves: Adds a pinch of salt. I like to use a mix of halves and pieces.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you have a pan, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. How do I lift bars out of a pan? What are some of the best steps I can take to be a lifesaver?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Make sure everything is well combined before you add butter.
Step 3: Cut in Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles an egg. Do not over mix. What is butter? It should be small pieces.
Step 4: Add Water & Press into Pan
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix! The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed. Is it necessary to press the dough into the prepared baking pan? I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to make sure it’s nice and smooth.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. This step ensures that the crust is nice and crispy and won’t get soggy when you add the cheese.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla. Set aside. What is the difference between extract, salt Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the pecans.
Step 7: Pour Filling Over Crust & Bake
Do not over-fill the crust with pecan filling. Pour evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. The filling should be slightly jiggly in the center, but it will firm up as it cools.
Step 8: Cool & Slice
What are the best ways to slice a bar into squares? If you try to slice them while they’re still warm, they will be too soft and gooey. Once they’re cooled, you can slice them into whatever size bars you like. I usually get about 24 bars from a 9×13 inch pan.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best Pecan Pie Bars? What are some good serving suggestions?
For Breakfast:Pair pecan pie with black coffee. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the bar perfectly. I love to crumble a bar over Greek yogurt for breakfast parfaits.
For Brunch:Arrange the bars on a pretty platter with fresh fruits, such as berries, grapes, and pears. Serve with a mimosa or sparkling cider for brunch. What are some ways to drizzle melted chocolate over chocolate bars?
As Dessert:Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pecans adds even more indulgence. Can you serve these with a glass of dessert wine?
For Cozy Snacks:Can you serve a pecan pie bar with hot tea or cocoa? I also love to pack a bar in my lunchbox for sweet treats during the day. What are some good after school snacks for kids? What are some good pecan pie bars? My family’s favorite tradition is eating them warm straight from the oven (though I recommend a grilled cheese)! Let them cool a bit first!
What are some tips for perfecting pecan pie bars?
What are some of the best pecan pie bars? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?
What is Butter MattersWhat is the best butter for crust? I always use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Don’t Overmix:When making the crust, be careful not to overmix the dough. If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until dough comes together.
Pre-Bake the CrustHow do you prevent a soggy bottom by pre-baking the crust? Is the filling too thick?
Toast the pecans: What areFor a more intense nutty flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. What are some of the best toasted nuts? What are the best ways to get rid of burns on your skin?
What are the different sizes of pecans?I like to use a mix of pecan halves and pieces in the filling. The halves add visual appeal, while the pieces help to distribute the nutty flavor throughout the recipe.
Cool Completely: How Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This will allow the filling to set and make it easier to slice into neat squares.
Adjust Sweetness: Adjust If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling. You can also use a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar.
Add a Touch of Spice: For a warm and cozy flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the filling.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Pecan Pie Bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving, as the filling can become a bit firm in the fridge.
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they are covered to avoid drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to a week. The bars might become slightly firmer, so allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Pecan Pie Bars. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a hit with family and friends. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a little something sweet to brighten your day, these bars are the perfect choice. And hey, if you’re looking for more easy and delicious Dessert Recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts. Happy baking, friends! And I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and be sure to rate the recipe if you loved it. Sharing is caring, so spread the pecan pie bar love!
Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Cold unsalted butter Cut into cubes
- 0.5 cups Ice water
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup Light corn syrup
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Pecans Chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Make the crust: Combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough comes together. Press into prepared pan.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir in pecans.
- Pour filling over crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
