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Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Easy Pecan Pie Bars

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Instructions for Making Easy Pecan Pie Bars

1. Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the bars don’t stick.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough comes together. You can do this with a hand mixer or simply use a fork or your hands to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients. The dough should be crumbly but press together when squeezed.

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure to cover the entire base. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.

2. Prepare the Pecan Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Fold in the pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. You can use either chopped or whole pecans, depending on your preference. Chopped pecans will give you a more even distribution, while whole pecans will create a more rustic, chunky texture.

3. Assemble the Bars

Pour the pecan filling over the partially baked crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Be sure the pecans are distributed as evenly as possible so every bite has that perfect balance of crust and filling.

4. Bake the Pecan Pie Bars

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The filling should be firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the filling to remain soft and gooey.

5. Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once they have cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper (if you used it) and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into squares or bars, and you’re ready to enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Easy Pecan Pie Bars

  1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure that your butter is softened before making the crust. This helps the dough come together smoothly without being too sticky or too dry.
  2. Chop the Pecans Evenly: While whole pecans are delicious, chopping them into smaller pieces will help ensure that the filling is evenly distributed and gives every bite a bit of nutty crunch.
  3. Don’t Overbake: The filling should be set but still slightly soft in the center. If it’s overbaked, the filling will become too hard. Keep a close eye on it towards the end of baking.
  4. Add a Dash of Spice: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the filling. It complements the pecans beautifully and gives the bars a warming touch.
  5. Let Them Cool Before Slicing: It’s tempting to dig into these bars right away, but they slice best when cooled completely. If you’re in a rush, you can place them in the fridge for a quick chill.

Why You’ll Love Easy Pecan Pie Bars

  • Convenience: Unlike traditional pecan pie, which requires a crust and careful attention to baking time, these bars come together in a flash and are much easier to serve at gatherings.
  • Rich and Nutty: The combination of buttery crust and the sweet, nutty filling is pure bliss. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy, gooey, and sweet.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a potluck, or a weekend treat, these bars are versatile enough to suit any occasion.
  • Less Mess: With bars, there’s no need to worry about cutting messy slices from a pie. Just cut into squares and serve—perfect for a crowd or an easy snack.

Serving Suggestions

  • Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve your pecan pie bars with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
  • Coffee or Tea Pairing: These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich, sweet flavor of the bars is complemented perfectly by a warm beverage.
  • Holiday Desserts: Pecan pie bars are perfect for the holiday season. Serve them alongside other classic desserts like pumpkin pie, apple pie, or chocolate chip cookies.

Final Thoughts

Easy Pecan Pie Bars are a simple, yet indulgent way to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie without all the fuss of a traditional pie. They offer the same rich, gooey filling and buttery crust in a more convenient, bite-sized form that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, going to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in these easy, nutty, and delicious pecan pie bars!