Pecan Pie Bars

This gooey Pecan Pie Bars recipe are made up of a buttery shortbread base, toasted pecans, sticky caramel, loads of chocolate and a salt sprinkle! These indulgent bars are full of everything you love about pecan pie and then some! 

Recipe by Leidi Rodriguez

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Hello everyone! Are we in the mood for a brand spanking new, hot off the press, and highly requested recipe? Because I sure am! 

Okay, I’m exaggerating a bit. This recipe might only have been requested by yours truly but either way it’s absolutely phenomenal. So much so that I’ve made at least 3 batches in the last month and I will be coming back for more. 

Pecan pie, very specifically chocolate pecan pie, is my favorite pie in existence. It’s buttery, crisp, nutty, sugary, and filled with creamy chocolate. But, making a pie is a lot of work and right now I just don’t have the time for all of that. 

So, today I’m dishing out a recipe made for those of us who need that slice served a little quicker or for those who are just looking to change things up a little! 

Perks and Highlights of Pecan Pie Bars

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern Comfort with a Twist

Primary Cooking Method: Baking

Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Contains Nuts and Gluten

Key Flavor: Caramelized Sweetness with a Hint of Saltiness

Skill Level: Intermediate

Special Perks:

1. Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: These bars are the ultimate sweet treat that brings people together. They’re like a hug for your taste buds; who wouldn’t want that?
2. Texture Overload: With a flaky crust, gooey filling, crunchy pecans, and that optional chocolate layer, every bite is a journey through a wonderland of textures.
3. No Slice, No Problem: Forget the hassle of slicing a pie! These handy bars offer the perfect portion of indulgent goodness, no serving stress required.
4. Make-Ahead Marvel: Got a busy week ahead? These bars keep beautifully, making them a stellar choice for prepping ahead of busy holidays or potlucks.
5. Versatility is the Name of the Game: Serve them warm, serve them cool, top them with ice cream, or enjoy them as they are. These bars are here to adapt to your dessert dreams!

This recipe is very similar to the chocolate pecan pies we slice and serve during the holiday season, and it lends well to sharing. A base layer of crumbly shortbread, sticky toasted pecans, and decadent chocolate all come together to create a dessert perfect for get togethers, potlucks, bake sales, parties , etc. 

Or, you can do like me and hoard the whole lot to yourself. That ain’t nobody’s business but your own!

Ingredients

I’ll be honest, I almost never go out of my way for a recipe. Most of the time I just wait for a craving to kick in, dig through the pantry, and scrounge for anything that can make my very pressing dream a reality. Usually, this means swapping out ingredients and making a few liberal yet effective substitutions. Maybe it’s my idea of a thrill or a challenge? Either way I’m eating so I’m happy. 

Today’s recipe is the result of one of those reconnaissance missions! An undeniable craving for salty-sweet, nutty, chocolate-y goodness led me to these delectable pecan pie bars and I just know you’ll love them. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of flavor town! It’s all about that rich, creamy base that only real butter can provide. Start here for decadence.

  Dark Brown Sugar: Hello, deep molasses undertones and moist texture! This sugar is the key to that rich, caramelized flavor we all chase in a pecan pie bar.

  All-Purpose Flour: The stage on which all ingredients shine. It’s the unsung hero holding everything together, literally.

  Kosher Salt: The flavor enhancer, this culinary classic is about contrasting the sweet while highlighting the savory.

  Eggs: The binder, the structure-builder, the silent player that keeps everything tight and right.

  Light Corn Syrup: Sweetness with a purpose! It’s the secret to the gooey, indulgent texture in every bite.

  Light Brown Sugar: Bringing light caramel notes to the party, it’s all about adding layers of sweetness without overpowering.

  Molasses: The robust contributor to the dark, rich notes that make these bars a complex treat. It’s the bass guitar in your sweet melody.

  Vanilla: The aromatic whisper in the background, rounding out flavors and bringing that bakery scent to life.

  Semisweet Chocolate: A touch of bitterness meets creamy indulgence, because why should the top note always be sweet?

  Heath Bars: Crunchy, toffee-like magic that introduces a whole new dimension of texture and flavor surprises.

  Pecans: The star of the show, offering buttery, nutty goodness that transforms “treats” into “treasures.”

  Flaky Sea Salt: The finishing touch! A sprinkle of this is like the last brushstroke on a masterpiece, enhancing flavor contrasts and making those sweet elements pop.

   

Can These Pecan Bars be Made Gluten-Free?

Yes! If you’re one of our gluten-free friends, swap out the all-purpose flour in this recipe for your favorite GF alternative. I’d recommend either Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s cup-for-cup option. 

How to Make Pecan Pie Bars

You would not believe how easily this recipe comes together. Don’t believe me? Follow the instructions below and see for yourself! 

• BAKE THE SHORTBREAD- The base layer of this recipe is a homemade shortbread; it makes for the perfect melt in your mouth bite. I highly recommend following the instructions to parchment paper line your pan. It will make removal that much easier. Spread the dough as evenly as possible and bake until just lightly browned. 

• MAKE THE FILLING- While you wait for the crust to bake, prepare the filling. Combine the ingredients in the order specified in the instructions. Don’t skip out on toasting the pecans! It adds a much needed depth of flavor. Carefully pour the filling onto the crust, using a spatula to evenly spread the pecans and chocolate. 

• BAKE, + SERVE- Bake the bars for 25-35 minutes, or until the center is just set. As soon as you pull the bars out of the oven, liberally sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top. Go as light or as heavy as you’d like! Allow bars to cool completely, about an hour, then carefully lift them from out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve! 

Storage Instructions 

Pecan pie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, you can extend the life of your bars by freezing them. Prepare and slice the bars as directed, then double wrap each one in a layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe airtight container or ziploc bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the chocolate pecan pie bars in the fridge overnight before serving. 

Best Pecan Recipes

Feeling peckish? Try out a few more of GBC’s peppiest pecan recipes: 

• Southern Pecan Pralines
• Bourbon Pecan Sticky Buns
• Turtle Candy
• Pecan Pie Upside Down Cake
• Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
• Classic Pecan Pie
• Sweet Potato Pecan Pie