Description
Indulgent Southern pecan pie bars blend buttery crust with caramel-rich filling, creating a classic dessert that whispers sweet comfort. Crisp pecans and golden syrup marry in each delectable bite, inviting you to savor a slice of traditional southern hospitality.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Sugars and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Fats and Flavoring:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges extend for easy removal.
- Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture transforms into coarse, crumbly texture.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into the pan’s bottom, creating an even foundation for the bars.
- Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes until it achieves a delicate golden hue.
- While the crust bakes, whisk corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until thoroughly blended.
- Fold chopped pecans into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
- Carefully pour the pecan-infused filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading uniformly to cover the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a set filling and golden-brown edges.
- Remove from oven and allow complete cooling on a wire rack within the pan.
- Using parchment paper overhang, gently lift the entire dessert from the pan and slice into precise squares.
- Optional: Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for enhanced presentation and sweetness.
Notes
- Make the crust extra crisp by toasting the flour briefly in the oven before mixing to enhance nutty flavors and improve texture.
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother filling and more even baking, preventing potential curdling or uneven consistency.
- Prevent soggy bottom by pre-baking the crust until light golden and ensuring it’s completely cool before adding the filling.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 43-50 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 313 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 82 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 46 mg