Delicious Pecan Pie Bars Recipe for Sweet Lovers
Are you in the mood for something sweet, rich, and gooey? Do you have a hankering for pecan pie, but not enough time to make a whole baked pie? Then my Rich & Gooey Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is just what you need!
This recipe is perfect for a treat on the go, an after-school snack or something indulgent that hits the spot. Imagine biting into one of these scrumptious bars and tasting the buttery shortbread crust mixed with the ooey-gooey pecan pie filling. It’s like a slice of heaven in every bite.
Don’t worry if you’ve never baked pecan pie bars before. My recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any fancy skills or expertise. All you need are some basic ingredients like honey, brown sugar, butter, and pecans.
So why wait? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a golden, buttery shortbread crust piled high with gooey chocolate and crunchy pecans. Now imagine taking a bite of that sweet treat – the perfect combination of rich, buttery goodness and satisfying crunch. That is precisely what you will get with these rich and gooey pecan pie bars.
I want to convince you to try this tantalizing recipe, one that I consider to be a dessert masterpiece. First, let’s talk about the crust. Not only does it serve as an excellent foundation for the gooey pecan filling on top, but it is also easy to make. Melted butter, honey, and cake mix are all you need to create a shortbread crust so smooth that it crumbles beneath your fingertips.
But it’s not just the crust; the real star of this recipe is the irresistible filling. The blend of brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans results in a deep, rich flavor that will cause your mouth to water. Combined with the crispness of the pecan halves on top, this dessert bar’s texture is outstandingly gooey yet crispy at the same time.
You’ll also appreciate how easy it is to customize this recipe according to your preferences. From vegan chocolate pecan bars and gluten-free versions to bourbon-laced treats complete with candied pecans – there are endless variations of this recipe waiting for you! You can even switch out a few ingredients just to make them your own.
In conclusion, these rich & gooey pecan pie bars are everything you never knew you needed in a dessert bar. They offer an unparalleled taste experience that comes together easily– even if baking isn’t usually your thing. They satisfy any sweet tooth while giving you enough sweetness without feeling overwhelming. Trust me; one bite will have you hooked for days!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you will need to make these Rich and Gooey Pecan Pie Bars. The list is fairly simple and you might already have most of them in your pantry.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shortbread Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
Pecan Pie Filling:
- 3/4 cup (175ml) honey or corn syrup
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves.
Be sure to grab everything on this list before you jump into the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get down to business and create these irresistible rich and gooey pecan pie bars. This recipe is quite easy and takes less than an hour to make, so let’s jump right in!
Shortbread Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9″×13″ baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt 1 cup (226g) of unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour, ½ cup (100g) of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Add the melted butter to the bowl and stir until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Pecan Pie Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 ½ cups (300g) of packed brown sugar, 1 cup (240ml) of corn syrup, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ¼ cup (55g) of honey until smooth.
- Stir in ¼ cup (57g) of melted butter and mix well.
- Add in 2 ½ cups (283g) of pecan halves and gently stir until they are coated with the mixture.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the shortbread crust.
Baking
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set. To check for doneness, gently shake the pan to see if the middle is still runny. If it is, continue baking for a few more minutes until the filling sets completely.
- Once done, remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into bars.
These rich gooey pecan pie bars are perfect for any occasion! Serve them as a sweet treat at your next party, bring them as a dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee. Don’t forget to type up this recipe like pecan pie dessert bars to recreate their gooey goodness whenever you want!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to jazz up your rich and gooey pecan pie bars? Well, you’re in luck because like always, I’ve got some mouthwatering ideas for you to try!
First up, let’s talk about the crust. While the buttery shortbread crust is divine on its own, it can be switched out for a variety of other options. For instance, if you’re in a rush or don’t have time to make a crust from scratch, try using a boxed cake mix! Just swap out some of the ingredients and voila – an easy pecan pie bar recipe that’s just as tasty. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could also try making a pie crust with maple syrup or crushed candied pecans.
Moving on to the filling – while we all love the classic pecan pie filling, there are plenty of ways to switch things up. For starters, swap out the corn syrup for maple syrup or honey. This will give your bars a richer flavor with a hint of sweetness. If you’re looking for something even more decadent, try adding in some melted chocolate to create gooey chocolate pecan bars. Trust me when I say these will satisfy even the most hardcore chocoholics!
For those who are vegan or gluten-free, fear not! This recipe can easily be adapted to suit your dietary needs. Instead of using butter and eggs, use vegan substitutes like margarine and flax eggs. You could also replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
Lastly, if you’re feeling fancy or want to impress your guests with something truly special, try adding some bourbon to your filling or garnishing with a sprinkle of sea salt on top. These caramel pecan desserts are sure to become your new go-to treat!
The possibilities are endless when it comes to making variations of this recipe like pecan squares, vegan chocolate pecan bars rich gooey pecan pie and more! So jump into the recipe and experiment until you find what suits your taste buds the best!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your gooey pecan pie bars are ready, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy the fruits of your labor. These decadent dessert bars are perfect for sharing with family and friends, or for indulging in on your own (we won’t judge).
One of the best things about these bars is how versatile they are when it comes to serving and pairing. Since they contain rich, buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan pie filling, they pair well with a variety of different desserts and beverages.
For a classic pairing, serve these bars alongside a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. The warm, comforting flavors of a hot beverage complement the rich, buttery and nutty notes in the pecan pie bars perfectly.
If you’re feeling fancy, serve up your gooey pecan pie bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy textures of these toppings will balance out the sweet and nutty flavors of the bars.
For a fun twist on tradition, why not try pairing your pecan pie bars with some ooey gooey chocolate treats? The richness of chocolate marries well with the nutty sweetness of these dessert bars. Try dipping some fresh strawberries into melted chocolate or adding mini chocolate chips into the pecan pie filling for an extra treat.
No matter how you choose to serve or pair them, one thing is for sure – these gooey pecan pie bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, we come to one of the most important parts of any recipe, folks. What to do with those rich and gooey pecan pie bars after you’ve baked them? Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you.
First things first, let me tell you that these bars are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, if they last that long that is!
If you need to store them for longer periods, or if you want to freeze them for later use, I have some tips for you too, my friends. All you need to do is wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months.
Now let’s move on to reheating these decadent treats. You can easily warm the bars in the oven by preheating it to 250°F (120°C) and placing the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are heated through and gooey once again.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Simply heat each bar on full power for about 20-30 seconds depending on your microwave model. Be careful though because overheating may make the bars runny.
One word about serving: it’s best served slightly warm with a scoop (or two!) of vanilla ice cream on top! I promise it will make an ooey-gooey dessert that’s hard to resist!
Tips for Perfect Results
Let me share with you some tips and recommendations that’ll help you achieve the best results when making these Rich & Gooey Pecan Pie Bars.
First things first, when making the shortbread crust make sure to press it down firmly into the bottom of the pan. This will create a solid base for your pecan filling, and it’ll prevent it from seeping through the edges.
Another important aspect to consider is the baking time. The bars should bake until they are just set in the middle, but not over-baked. Keep an eye on them after the 25-minute mark to avoid a burnt crust or a runny filling.
It’s also crucial to let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. I know, it’s hard to resist that gooey smell coming out of your oven, but trust me, your patience will reward you with nicely cut and intact bars.
Now, let’s talk about substitutions and variations. If you’re looking for a vegan or gluten-free option, this recipe works great with vegan butter, gluten-free flour and corn syrup substitutes. You can also swap out the pecans for maple syrup glazed walnuts or candied almonds for a different twist on these shortbread bars.
Finally, if you’re feeling creative and adventurous in the kitchen, try adding a layer of gooey chocolate on top of your pecan filling. You’ll end up with an ooey-gooey treat that one can hardly resist.
Give these tips a go and don’t hesitate to share with us any personal tweaks or adaptations you come up with. Happy baking!
FAQ
You may still have some burning questions about the Rich & Gooey Pecan Pie Bars recipe. Not to worry, I’ve rounded up some frequently asked questions to clear things up and help you get the most out of baking these delightful treats. So, take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in!
Why are my pecan bars runny?
When baking bars, it’s essential to bake them long enough and at the right temperature to ensure the filling is set up properly. If your bars turn out runny, it likely means that they weren’t baked for the appropriate amount of time or the oven temperature wasn’t suitable for the recipe.
Do you put pecans on top of pie before or after baking?
Now it’s time to add some of my favorite ingredients – the chopped pecans! Gently fold them into the pie filling until they’re well-distributed. Once mixed, pour the silky-smooth mixture into the prepared crust, and add some flair by placing whole pecans on top. Place this beauty in the oven for 45 minutes, or until the pie has risen to perfection and the center is sufficiently set. Trust me, it’ll be hard to resist the mouth-watering aroma emanating from the oven!
How do you keep a pecan pie from leaking out of crust?
When it comes to baking a pecan pie, it’s crucial to ensure that the filling doesn’t leak through the bottom crust and stick, as it can make serving a nightmare. A simple way to prevent this is to coat the bottom crust with some beaten egg white before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that seals the crust and stops the filling from seeping through. Keep in mind that buttering the pie plate is also important in ensuring that the crust doesn’t stick to the plate.
How do you make Paula Deen’s pecan pie?
For this delicious pecan pie recipe, you’ll need some pecan pieces measuring 1 and 1/4 cups. You will also require a pre-baked 10-inch pie crust. For the filling, you’ll need 1 cup of light corn syrup, 2 and 1/2 cups of brown sugar (divided), 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (divided). Additionally, you will need some unsalted butter, 6 tablespoons melted and 4 tablespoons for the caramel.
Bottom Line
And there you have it, folks! My rich and gooey pecan pie bars recipe. If you’re looking for a mouth-watering dessert that’s easy to make and will impress your guests, this recipe is definitely one to try.
The combination of the buttery shortbread crust, the ooey gooey pecan filling, and the crunchy pecan halves on top make for a treat that’s truly unforgettable. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for something sweet to snack on.
So what are you waiting for? Jump into this recipe and get baking! I’m confident that once you take a bite of these pecan pie bars, you won’t be able to get enough of them. Trust me: your taste buds will thank you.
Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. And don’t forget to share it with your family and friends – they’re sure to love it too!
Rich & Gooey Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
FIRST LAYER
- 1 (18 ounce) box Pillsbury yellow cake mix (Moist Deluxe)
- 1/4 cup butter (no substitutes)
SECOND LAYER
- 4 cups pecan halves
THIRD LAYER
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup butter
- 1/4 cup cream
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13 pan. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
- Cut butter into cake mix. Pat into greased pan.
- Cover crust with the pecan halves.
- In a saucepan, cook the brown sugar, white sugar, honey, and butter over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, and add the cream.
- Pour mixture over pecan halves.
- Bake 17 - 22 minutes or until bubbly.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.