Pecan Pie Bars
Indulge in the delightful blend of buttery crust and gooey pecan filling with these pecan pie bars. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home, they are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the toasted pecans and a rich, sweet caramel-like flavor that will leave you wanting more. Whether served warm or cold, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 16 bars. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bar) contains approximately 250 calories, 15g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 3g protein. This is based on a standard serving size for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt to create the crust mixture.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the chopped pecans to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the corn syrup with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Additionally, use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Chopped walnuts can also replace pecans for a unique twist.
Serving and Pairings
These pecan pie bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A hot cup of coffee or tea complements them perfectly, making for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store the pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overbaking can lead to a dry texture; ensure to check the filling for doneness.
- Using cold butter instead of melted can affect the crust’s texture.
- Not allowing the bars to cool before cutting can result in a messy presentation.
- Skipping the greasing of the pan can make removal difficult.
- Using old or stale pecans can diminish the flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Toast the pecans before adding for enhanced flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
- Serve warm for a gooey texture or chilled for a firmer bite.
- Experiment with different nuts to create your own variation.
FAQs
Can I make pecan pie bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these pecan pie bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They taste great when chilled or at room temperature.
What can I serve with pecan pie bars?
Pecan pie bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pairing them with coffee or tea also makes for a lovely dessert experience.
Can I freeze pecan pie bars?
Absolutely! Pecan pie bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use different nuts?
Certainly! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even a mixture of your favorite nuts for a unique flavor twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free flour to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Conclusion
Pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the rich flavors of pecan pie in a convenient bar form. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, they are sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy these bars warm or chilled, and savor every delicious bite!
Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt to create the crust mixture.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the chopped pecans to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.
