Simple Pecan Pie Bars

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Sweet, buttery, and filled with rich pecan flavor, these Simple Pecan Pie Bars are everything you love about traditional pecan pie—but with a fuss-free twist. Imagine a golden, shortbread-style crust topped with a gooey, nut-studded layer that brings just the right balance of crunch and chew. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.

What makes this recipe shine is how easy it is to pull together without compromising on that classic flavor. You skip the pie crust hassle and still get that sweet, sticky pecan goodness in every bite. They’re portable, sliceable, and just as decadent as the pie version. Whether you’re serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying a square with your afternoon coffee, these bars never disappoint.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To achieve the perfect texture and bake on your Simple Pecan Pie Bars, the right tools are everything:

• 9×13-inch baking pan: This is the ideal size to ensure even thickness and proper baking. Lining it with parchment helps lift the bars out easily for clean cuts.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for the crust and one for the filling. Glass or stainless steel work best to monitor mixing consistency.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Especially helpful when creaming butter and sugar for the crust to get that soft, crumbly base.
• Whisk: For blending the filling ingredients smoothly, so there’s no sugary grit or eggy bits.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision matters, particularly when measuring syrup and sugar for the filling to ensure the right consistency.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down bowls and evenly spreading the filling over the crust.

With these tools in place, you’ll breeze through the process and get bakery-worthy results right from your own oven.

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Ingredients for the Simple Pecan Pie Bars

Each ingredient in these bars plays a key role in building the decadent layers:

• Unsalted butter – Creates the buttery shortbread crust and helps smooth the filling.
• All-purpose flour – Gives structure to the crust and keeps it crisp under the gooey topping.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens both the crust and filling, offering balance to the richness.
• Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors, especially in the crust.
• Light corn syrup – The key to the signature pecan pie gooey filling; it gives body and sheen.
• Brown sugar – Deepens the sweetness with caramel notes that pair perfectly with pecans.
• Eggs – Binds the filling together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Chopped pecans – The star ingredient, bringing crunch, nuttiness, and that iconic pecan pie texture.

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How To Make the Simple Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt in a large bowl until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Again

Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot crust. Spread evenly with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then lift them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and serve.

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How to Serve and Store Simple Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or let them cool completely for easy, clean slicing into snack-sized squares. They’re a hit at potlucks, bake sales, and festive dessert trays. For a touch of elegance, drizzle with melted dark chocolate or dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars—just wrap each square in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the filling is fully baked?

The center should be just set and not overly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. A light golden top is a good indicator, and it will continue to firm up as it cools.

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Yes, dark corn syrup will add a deeper molasses flavor and a darker color. It’s a great alternative if you like a more robust taste.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Let the bars cool completely, and use a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife between slices and try chilling the bars slightly beforehand.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for the crust?

Absolutely. A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking works well as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

Can I toast the pecans before adding them?

Yes! Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of nuttiness to the bars.

How do I keep the crust from becoming soggy?

Make sure to bake the crust fully before adding the filling. Pour the filling over the hot crust so it sets up faster and avoids seeping into the bottom layer.

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Want More Bar Dessert Ideas?

If these Simple Pecan Pie Bars hit the sweet spot, you’re going to love these other indulgent bar-style treats from Life With Olivia:

• Easy Sweet Chili Chicken Recipe for a bold, tangy flavor fix.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake with rich creamy layers and fruity goodness.
• Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe that tastes like breakfast and dessert in one.
• No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies for a quick and creamy bite-sized treat.
• Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting if you’re in the mood for cozy spices and a tangy topping.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the pecans? Try any fun mix-ins? Maybe a drizzle of chocolate?

I love hearing how others personalize these recipes. Feel free to drop your questions below too—let’s make baking even better together!

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