Pecan Pie Bars
Super Addicting Pecan Pie Bars. Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey maple pecan filling. They taste just like pecan pie but are so much easier to make!
Pecan Pie Bars
These easy pecan pie bars are so addicting! You cannot stop at just one! They have a buttery shortbread crust and are topped with sugary candied maple pecans. They are the perfect dessert to serve for Thanksgiving!
I browned the butter for the pecan filling to make the bars extra nutty. I also added in maple syrup for a twist. You can always substitute corn syrup or honey if you are not a fan of the maple syrup.
How to make Pecan Pie Bars
- For the shortbread crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray and set aside. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy 3-4 minutes. On low speed add in flour and salt and mix until crumbly. You will still be able to form it with your hands. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish smoothing into an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. While the crust bakes prepare the pecan filling.
- For the pecan pie filling: Add butter to a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Cook butter stirring continuously until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Take off of the heat and stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla and heavy cream until combined. Fold in the pecans. When the crust comes out of the oven pour the pecan filling over and spread into an even layer. Place back in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. It will still look liquidy but will firm as it cools. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Serve: I love to serve these best ever pecan pie bars as is or with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon! They are also wonderful warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
- Store: The bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars?
Yes! This pecan pie bars recipe freezes great! Simply wrap the bars in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost place in the fridge overnight and pop in the microwave or oven to heat back up!
Here are some other delicious desserts to try!
- Easy Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
- Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
- The BEST Brownies
- Triple Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes
- The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pecan Pie Bars
Super Addicting Pecan Pie Bars. Just like pecan pie but so much easier to make!
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 3/4 cup 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pecan Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups halved pecans
Instructions
Shortbread Crust
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy 3-4 minutes.
- On low speed add in flour and salt and mix until crumbly. You will still be able to form it with your hands.
- Press the dough into the prepared baking dish smoothing into an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the crust bakes prepare the pecan filling.
Pecan Filling
- Add butter to a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Cook butter stirring continuously until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Take off of the heat and stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla and heavy cream until combined. Fold in the pecans.
- When the crust comes out of the oven pour the pecan filling over and spread into an even layer.
- Place back in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. It will still look liquidy but will firm as it cools.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from Cleobuttera
Nutrition Facts
Pecan Pie Bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 498 Calories from Fat 288
% Daily Value*
Fat 32g49%
Saturated Fat 14g88%
Cholesterol 54mg18%
Sodium 61mg3%
Potassium 150mg4%
Carbohydrates 51g17%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 33g37%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 637IU13%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 55mg6%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Originally published Nov 16, 2017