Easiest Ever Pecan Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust
You get all the rich, gooey flavor of classic pecan pie in simple, sliceable bars. This recipe features a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, nutty filling, making it perfect for potlucks or quick holiday treats.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 60 min
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare the shortbread crust: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 2 cups flour. Mix until crumbly.
- Press the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, prepare the gooey pecan filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, 1/4 cup melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves until they are coated in the filling mixture.
- Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot, pre-baked shortbread crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned around the edges.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important for clean slicing.
- Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares.
Notes
- For the cleanest slices, chill the cooled bars in the refrigerator for at least one hour before cutting.
- You can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling for a deeper flavor.
- These sliceable pecan treats are great for making ahead of time for gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 45