Description
Delicious and buttery Pecan Pie Bars featuring a crisp shortbread base topped with a sweet, gooey pecan filling. These bars are perfect for sharing and offer the classic flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-slice, portable form.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Pecan Pie Filling
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of bars.
- Make the Shortbread Base: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir until a thick, sticky dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a thin layer.
- Bake the Shortbread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes at 300°F until the base is set but not browned.
- Prepare the Pecan Filling: While the shortbread bakes, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and ¼ cup of flour in a large bowl until well combined. Gently fold in the chopped pecans to distribute them evenly.
- Combine Layers and Bake Again: Once the shortbread layer is done, remove the pan from the oven. Pour the pecan filling evenly over the baked crust. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F and bake the bars for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is lightly crisped.
- Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. For best results, refrigerate the bars to help the filling set fully and make them easier to cut.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled and set, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. Serve and enjoy your classic pecan pie treat in convenient bar form.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to prevent the filling from spilling.
- Refrigerating after baking helps the filling firm up for cleaner slices.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal of bars from the pan.
- You can substitute light corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
