Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. They are made with a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet and gooey pecan filling, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Pecan Pie Bars are a great way to use up leftover pecans, and they are also a popular choice for potlucks and bake sales.
Pecan Pie Bars are a versatile dessert that can be customized to your liking. For example, you can add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts to the filling. You can also use a different type of crust, such as a graham cracker crust or a puff pastry crust. No matter how you make them, Pecan Pie Bars are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions for Pecan Pie Bars
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough into the prepared baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, and cinnamon. Spread the filling over the crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Here are a few tips for making the best Pecan Pie Bars:
Tips for Pecan Pie Bars
-
1. Use high-quality pecans.
The pecans are the star of the show in this recipe, so it’s important to use the best quality pecans you can find.
-
2. Don’t overmix the dough.
Overmixing the dough will make the crust tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
-
3. Press the dough firmly into the pan.
This will help to prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
-
4. Bake the bars until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Overbaking the bars will make the crust dry and the filling too thick.
-
5. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into them.
This will help to prevent the bars from crumbling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pecan Pie Bars
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of nut that you like. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts are all good choices.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the bars up to 3 days ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With their buttery crust, sweet and gooey filling, and crunchy pecans, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.