Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey pecan filling — these bars are a simplified, irresistible version of the classic Southern pecan pie.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Servings 24 bars
Calories 280 kcal
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup brown sugar light or dark
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Prepare the Crust – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing until crumbly. Press evenly into the pan and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Make the Filling – In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans and mix well.
Assemble & Bake – Pour the pecan mixture over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly.
Cool & Slice – Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Serve & Enjoy – Serve as-is, or drizzle with a touch of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent finish.
Tips & Variations
Tips for Success:
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cool completely before cutting to avoid a gooey mess.
Chop pecans roughly for the perfect mix of crunch and chew.
Flavor Variations:
Chocolate Chip Pecan Bars: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the filling.
Maple Pecan Bars: Replace half the corn syrup with pure maple syrup.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the crust.
Storage
Room Temp: 2 days
Fridge: Up to 5 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months
Keyword fall baking, holiday treats, pecan pie bars, Southern dessert, Thanksgiving desserts