
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, whisk together sugar, eggs, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Stir in the chopped pecans.
Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust immediately after removing it from the oven.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling has set.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra indulgent treat.
Serve and enjoy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I make these Pecan Pie Bars and how should I store them?
These Pecan Pie Bars are excellent for making ahead! Store them tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze well for up to 3 months once cooled completely.
Can I substitute the light corn syrup in this Pecan Pie Bar recipe?
While light corn syrup is key for the signature gooey texture, you can substitute it with an equal amount of maple syrup or brown rice syrup for a slightly different flavor profile. Note that the final texture might be a little less firm, but they will still be delicious.
My crust seems crumbly when pressing it into the 9x13-inch pan; how can I get a better base for these bars?
To ensure a firm base, make sure the 3/4 cup of cold unsalted butter is well-chilled and cut into small cubes when mixing with the flour, sugar, and salt. Press the resulting mixture firmly and evenly into your greased 9x13-inch dish before adding the filling.