Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars
User Reviews
5
Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars
Description
Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars start with a crumbly crust made by creaming softened butter with brown sugar, then mixing in flour and salt. This crust is pressed into a parchment-lined pan and baked until lightly golden. While the crust bakes, a filling is prepared by melting butter with dark brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream until smooth. Vanilla extract and chopped pecans are stirred in before pouring the hot filling onto the warm crust. The bars are then baked again to set the topping, resulting in a bar with a crisp base and a rich, nutty pecan layer.
The texture contrasts between the firm, buttery crust and the sticky, sweet topping highlight the pecans' crunch. These bars are portioned after cooling and can be served as a dessert or snack that is easy to handle. Their dense, sweet nature makes them appropriate for sharing at gatherings or packing for picnics.
To adapt the recipe, note that parchment paper with overhang helps remove the bars cleanly. The pecan topping can be warmed gently to melt sugar and blend flavors before spreading. Storing these bars in an airtight container preserves their texture. They also freeze well if wrapped properly.
Ingredients
For crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ⅔ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For pecan topping:
- ½ cup butter unsalted
- 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on either side.
- Add 1 cup softened unsalted butter and ⅔ cup packed brown sugar to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt and mix until it forms a crumbly dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling by combining ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup packed dark brown sugar, ⅓ cup honey, and 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat for a minute or two until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 cups chopped pecans.
- Remove the crust from the oven and pour the hot pecan filling on top, spreading it evenly over the surface. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Let the pan cool completely before lifting the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into bars and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of bars from the pan.
- Warm pecan topping gently to fully dissolve sugars before pouring over crust.
- Store bars in an airtight container to maintain texture and freshness.
- The bars freeze well if wrapped tightly, allowing longer storage.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 20Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 351 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 351kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 38mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 124mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 96mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 23g | 46% |
| Vitamin A | 454IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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