Pecan Pie Bars With Brown Sugar

Why Make This Pecan Pie Bars With Brown Sugar

Pecan pie bars with brown sugar are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. These treats capture all the rich, nutty flavors of traditional pie but come in a convenient bar form, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or just an afternoon snack. The buttery, flaky crust pairs perfectly with the gooey, sweet filling, creating a blissful balance of textures and flavors. Each bite offers a warm, comforting sweetness with a hint of nuttiness and a hint of vanilla, making them hard to resist!

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars With Brown Sugar

Making pecan pie bars is surprisingly easy and requires just a handful of ingredients. The process starts with a simple crust that provides a sturdy base for the luscious filling. The filling itself is a mix of brown sugar, eggs, and pecans, which bakes up to a tantalizingly sweet and chewy texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through each step to create a satisfying dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for the filling)
• 3 cups chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs.
4. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden.
6. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
7. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the eggs. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
8. Stir in the chopped pecans until they are evenly coated with the liquid mixture.
9. Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot crust. Spread it out evenly.
10. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes. The filling should be set and not jiggly in the center.
11. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours.
12. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 16 servings):

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 66mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 3g

How to Serve Pecan Pie Bars With Brown Sugar

These pecan pie bars are perfect for any occasion! Serve them warm as a comforting treat, or allow them to cool completely and pack them for lunch or an outdoor picnic. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert. They also make a great addition to holiday dessert tables, providing a delightful contrast to cakes and cookies.

How to Store Pecan Pie Bars With Brown Sugar

To store pecan pie bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you need to keep them for an extended period, freeze the bars in a single layer, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars With Brown Sugar

• Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is cold and cubed to create a light and flaky crust.
• Whisking Eggs: Whisk the eggs well to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
• Nuts: Consider lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling. This can enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.

Delicious Variations

• Add Chocolate: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate pecan pie bar.
• Use Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warming spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in the fridge.

2. What can I substitute for light corn syrup?
   You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, though this may slightly alter the flavor.

3. Are these bars gluten-free?
   To make gluten-free pecan pie bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

4. Can I use unsalted butter?
   Yes, unsalted butter is preferred in baking as it allows you to control the salt levels in your recipe.

5. How do I know when these bars are done baking?
   The filling should be set and no longer jiggly in the center when baked correctly.

6. Are these bars kid-friendly?
   Absolutely! The sweet and nutty flavors make them a hit with children.

7. Can I reduce the sugar content?
   You can reduce the brown sugar slightly, but it may affect the texture and sweetness.

8. Should I line the pan with parchment paper?
   Yes, this helps in easy removal of the bars after baking.

9. How can I make these bars more festive?
   Consider adding festive decorations like edible glitter or serving with a spiced whipped cream.

10. What toppings would pair well with these bars?
    A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes them even more decadent.

Conclusion

Pecan pie bars with brown sugar are a wonderfully satisfying dessert that combines the classic flavors of pecan pie into a convenient bar form. With a buttery crust and a rich, gooey filling, these bars are sure to please everyone. Whether you serve them for a special occasion or enjoy them as a sweet treat at home, they’re easy to make and hard to resist. Give this recipe a try, and feel free to share your experience in the comments! Happy baking!

Pecan Pie Bars With Brown Sugar

Delightful pecan pie bars featuring a buttery crust and a gooey brown sugar filling, perfect for gatherings or a sweet snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 16 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed Ensure the butter is cold for a flaky crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling

• 4 large eggs Whisk until smooth.
• 1 1/2 cups packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup Can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt For the filling.
• 3 cups chopped pecans Consider toasting for enhanced flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs.
4. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden.

Filling

1. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
2. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the eggs. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Stir in the chopped pecans until they are evenly coated with the liquid mixture.

Baking

1. Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot crust. Spread it out evenly.
2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes. The filling should be set and not jiggly in the center.
3. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours.
4. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles.

Notes

Serve warm or allow them to cool completely. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.