If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that combines buttery crust, gooey filling, and a delightful crunch, this Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars capture the classic flavors of pecan pie but with a simple, bar-style twist that makes them a breeze to bake and share. From their crispy edges to the luscious, nut-studded center, every bite is like a cozy hug on a dessert plate. Whether you’re bringing them to a holiday gathering or simply craving something special, this recipe delivers deliciousness without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building the perfect texture and flavor — from the tender, buttery base to the rich, sweet topping bursting with nutty goodness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for a sturdy yet tender crust.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a smooth dough texture.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, 2 sticks): Gives the crust its rich, flaky bite.
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can): Creates the luscious, gooey filling that binds everything together.
- 1 large egg (slightly beaten): Adds richness and helps set the filling.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with warm, inviting notes.
- 8 ounces Heath Bits O’Brickle Toffee Bits: Adds irresistible crunch and buttery toffee sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Provides the classic nutty flavor and texture pecan pie fans adore.
How to Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, or 325°F if you’re using a glass pan, so everything bakes evenly. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, ensuring your bars won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Make the Crust Mixture
Combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor by pulsing just a few times until blended. Then, add cold butter chunks and pulse until the mixture looks crumbly with pea-sized bits of butter. This step is crucial for creating that buttery, flaky texture in your crust.
Step 3: Press and Bake the Crust
Pour the crumbly mixture into your prepared pan and press it firmly into an even layer, making sure to cover the corners and edges well. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is set and just beginning to golden. This forms the sturdy base that holds the delicious topping.
Step 4: Whisk the Pecan Pie Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, the slightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Stir in the Heath toffee bits and chopped pecans, but hold off on spreading until your crust has finished baking.
Step 5: Add the Filling and Bake Again
Once the crust has baked, give the filling a quick stir to recombine, then spread it gently and evenly over the warm crust. Bake the entire pan again at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until the filling turns golden brown and feels set in the center. This step gives you that perfect gooey but firm center.
Step 6: Cool and Cut into Bars
Let the bars cool on a wire rack. After 10 minutes, run a thin, sharp knife around the edges to loosen the bars. Allow them to cool completely before slicing into 18 delicious pieces. Cooling ensures the filling sets fully, so each bar holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your cut bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra special touch. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can elevate these bars from everyday treats to star desserts.
Side Dishes
These pecan pie bars pair wonderfully with hot coffee, spiced tea, or even a glass of creamy milk. Serve them alongside fresh fruit or a light salad if you want to balance the richness with something refreshing and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive look, arrange bars on a rustic wooden board garnished with whole pecans and toffee bits scattered around. Alternatively, stack a few bars on a pretty cake stand and top with edible flowers or cinnamon sticks to impress guests at holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your home tends to be warm, keeping them in the fridge will help maintain their shape and freshness for up to a week.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for longer storage: wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, gently reheat individual pieces in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Reheating brings back their gooey goodness without losing that crisp crust.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Heath toffee bits with something else?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Heath bits, chopped chocolate chips or other toffee candy bits work great as a substitute, adding a similar sweet crunch that complements the pecans beautifully.
Is it necessary to use cold butter in the crust?
Yes, using cold butter helps create a flakier texture by allowing small pockets of butter to remain intact during baking, which leads to that tender, crumbly crust everyone loves in pecan treats.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
How do I know when the pecan pie bars are fully baked?
The bars are done baking when the filling is golden brown and set in the middle—give it a gentle jiggle; it should not be liquid. The edges might be a little crispier, signaling perfect doneness.
Can these bars be made ahead for holiday parties?
Definitely! These bars hold up well when made a day or two in advance. Just keep them covered at room temperature or refrigerated, and they’ll still taste fresh and delicious when served.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is truly a game-changer when you want the warmth and tradition of pecan pie without the fuss of slicing a classic pie. It’s foolproof, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and watch how quickly these bars disappear — I’m confident they’ll become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Pecan Pie Bars are a decadent treat combining a buttery shortbread crust with a luscious pecan and toffee topping. Perfectly sweet and crunchy, they offer all the flavors of classic pecan pie in convenient, portable bars. Made with simple ingredients and baked in under 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a rich, nutty dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (57 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold (227 grams, 2 sticks)
Topping
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (397 grams, 1 can)
- 1 large egg, slightly beaten (50 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- 8 ounces Heath Bits O’Brickle Toffee Bits (English Toffee Bits, 1 package)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (114 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (325°F if using a glass dish). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients for crust: In a food processor bowl, add the flour, powdered sugar, and kosher salt. Pulse about 3 times to combine evenly.
- Add butter and form crumbs: Add the cold unsalted butter to the dry mixture and pulse until crumbly with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Press crust into pan: Pour the crust mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing firmly and evenly, making sure to cover corners and edges well.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from the oven.
- Prepare topping while crust bakes: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add nuts and toffee: Stir in the Heath Bits O’Brickle toffee bits and chopped pecans; set aside until the crust is done baking.
- Top crust with filling: Once crust has baked, gently stir the topping mixture and spread it evenly over the warm crust.
- Bake bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool and cut: Place the pan on a cooling rack and after about 10 minutes, use a sharp, thin knife to loosen the edges. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into 18 pieces.
Notes
- Using cold butter in the crust helps create a tender, flaky texture.
- If using a glass dish, lower the oven temperature to 325°F to prevent overbaking.
- You can substitute Heath Bits O’Brickle with any good quality English toffee bits if unavailable.
- Allowing the bars to cool fully before cutting ensures cleaner slices.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
