Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

These Pecan Pie Bars are easier to make and serve than traditional pecan pie. Perfect for holidays or an any time treat!

These Pecan Pie Bars are easier to make and serve than traditional pecan pie. Perfect for holidays or an any time treat!

Hi guys! It’s Cyndi again from My Kitchen Craze! Can you believe we’re in the midst of November already? Time’s flying by. When I was growing up there was always a pecan pie and pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. I’m not sure who’d make them, but they were always there. I just assumed that grandma or one of my aunts made them. My mom always said she was horrible at making pies, so she left it to others. Mom’s the master of fudge. She makes the best fudge ever!

With her not making any of the yearly pies, no one ever taught me how to make one. Fast forward 20 something years, and I still don’t make pies. It’s not from the lack of trying. I’ve tried numerous times and sometimes they turn out amazing and sometimes they flop. I feel like they’re never perfect.

You know that saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!” Well, I have, and I still get frustrated! When it comes to pies and me making them, put a fork in me….I’m done! (Pun totally intended.) What comes next you ask? Let’s talk pecan pie bars.

Pecan Pie Bars are a tasty, easy alternative to traditional pecan pie!

Pecan Pie Bars Are Easier Than Pie

Since pecan pies are my favorite pie of all times, but I didn’t think I could make a good one, I decided to make some pecan pie bars instead. Now, bars are my thing. I can make those no problem. Dare I say I like bars more than cookies?

I played around with a few recipes and came up with bars that taste just like a pecan pie. My husband told me that he would prefer these over a regular pecan pie, and I completely agree with him. They are so delicious!

You guys, these bars are so good! They have a ooey gooey center just like pecan pie and a crust that’s crumbly and buttery. YUM! This recipe makes a big batch, so it’s perfect for Thanksgiving day, a potluck, or any time you want to feed a crowd.

I do wish I would have made some homemade whipped cream for these bars. A nice size dollop on each square would have been great. Don’t get me wrong, they taste perfect without it, but who can beat homemade whipped cream?? I hope you make these soon. You’re going to love them and have a stress-free pie eating day!

What is the difference between a pecan pie bar and traditional pecan pie recipe?

The two main differences between pecan pie bars and traditional pecan pie are the shape and the crust. The filling used or the bars and the pie are the same. Both fillings are made with a combination of eggs, sugar, butter, corn syrup, and pecans. This means the flavor of the two is going to be very similar. You can even use your favorite pecan pie filling recipe to make these bars. The crust for the bars is similar to to a pie crust but it is not rolled out as most pie crusts are. By not rolling out the crust there bars do have a little bit of a cumblier texture and in a way remind me of shortbread.

Pecan Pie Bars are easier to serve and taste even better than traditional pecan pie!

Why you should make Pecan Pie Bars for the Holidays

If you love pecan pie around the holidays, in the fall or at Thanksgiving you should really consider making these pecan pie bars instead. Here are the top three reasons to make pecan pie bars this year.

  1. Bars are easier to make than pies. Making a really good pie crust is not easy. Yes, you can buy some pretty good pie crusts but I know for many of us that would be unacceptable for Thanksgiving. The bar crust is similar to a pie crust but much more forgiving. You do not need to roll it out or worry about it tearing when placing it in the pan. You can simply make the crust and then press it into the bottom of the pan.
  2. Bars are better for sharing and sampling. When it comes to the holidays there are usually a huge variety of desserts. However, many desserts, particularly apple pie, are hard to cut into smaller pieces. If you make bars they are easy to cut into small pieces so you can easily have a bar along with any of the other desserts. This also means they are an easy option to wrap up for people to take home with them.
  3. Bars keep better than pie. Bars are able to keep better as leftover than pie because they do not have the same exterior crust. This means they can easily be made the day before, wrapped and stored in the fridge or enjoyed throughout the week.

How to store and reheat pecan pie bars

These pecan pie bars do need to be stored in the fridge but do not worry they hold up great and reheat easily. Just follow these easy steps for storing and reheating pecan pie bars.

  • Once the bars are baked you want to let them cool before serving. They can still be warm but they will be very hot when they come out of the oven. They are also easier to cut once cool. If you are enjoying them that day they can sit out on the counter for up to 4 hours. If not they should be kept in the refridgerator due to the eggs in the filling.
  • Once the bars have cooled to room they can be cut into individual size bars or left as is. You can simply leave them in the pan and wrap it with plastic film and then foil or transfer them to an airtight container. Which you do depends on how you plan to enjoy them next and if you will be eating them at room temperature or warmed in the oven.
  • The bars can not be placed in the fridge where they will keep for up to 7 days but I recommend enjoying them in 3.
  • If you wish to freeze the bars, first cut them into smaller individual size pieces and then arrange them in a freezer bag or airtight freezer container using wax paper, parchment paper or plastic wrap to seperate them. The pecan pie bars will keep in the freezer up to 4 months.
  • To reheat the bars remove them from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature. They can then be enjoyed as it or you can pleace them on a foil lined baking sheet and heat in the oven at 325 degrees for 10 minutes or until warm.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pecan Pie Bars are easier to serve and taste even better than traditional pecan pie!

Pecan Pie Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Pecan Pie Bars are easier to make and serve than traditional pecan pie. Perfect for holidays or an any time treat!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
Crust
Pecan Filling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 10 x 15″ jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles pea sized crumbs. Press into a prepared jelly roll pan. (You can also do this in a food processor.)
  3. Bake the crust 20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  4. For the pecan filling, whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Once whisked add the corn syrup, sugar, melted butter and vanilla. Stir in pecans.
  5. Spread filling over the hot crust.
  6. Bake 25-30 minutes or until filling is set. (You might want to place another pan under your bars in case some of the liquid spills over.)
  7. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Serve & enjoy!

Notes

You can place a dollop of whipped cream on top if desired. To make homemade whipped cream: Take ¾ cup heavy whipping cream and 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar, and place in a medium sized bowl. Using your hand mixer, whip until medium peaks form. There you have it, some yummy homemade whipped cream!

  • Author: Andi
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 50

Want more pecan goodness? Try these!!

ClientAdministrator

4 comments

Amber
8 years ago

Light or dark corn syrup??

Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze
8 years ago

I used light syrup Amber. :)

Anonymous
8 years ago

Making pie is one of my favorite thing. I’d love to experiment with ingredients and serve it in the house. Surprisingly, they all love my pie recipes and I am just excited right now this pecan pie you shared with us. For sure, this one is a hit for them also and I can’t wait to go in the kitchen and cook it already.

Andi Gleeson
8 years ago

I hope you enjoy it. Thank you!

Leave a Reply

Your rating

Related Recipes