Pecan pie bars recipe are one of those desserts that instantly remind me of home. Growing up in St. Francisville, my grandmother always had a pecan pie waiting on the kitchen counter during the holidays. But on busy weeknights, especially when we had company, she’d whip up her shortcut version: buttery crust, gooey filling, no pie pan needed. I’d sit on a stool next to her, watching her press the crust with her fingers, sprinkling chopped pecans like they were gold.
Now as a mom in New Orleans, I still lean on those flavors—but I like to keep things simple. That’s where pecan pie bars come in. They give you all the nostalgic comfort of the classic pie, but in an easy-to-slice square that works for potlucks, lunchboxes, and just-because baking. They’re sweet, sticky, buttery, and best of all? You don’t even need a fork. If you enjoy desserts that bring buttery richness with minimal effort, this butter pecan dump cake is another easy favorite worth trying.
Midweek or holiday, these bars hit the spot. I love them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or cold straight from the fridge the next morning (yes, for breakfast—it’s pecans and eggs, right?).
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Pecan Pie Bars Recipe – Irresistibly Gooey, Easy, and Holiday-Perfect
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 18 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These pecan pie bars are everything you love about a classic pecan pie—gooey, nutty, buttery—but easier to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with flour and granulated sugar until crumbly.
3. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the baking dish and bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt.
5. Stir in chopped pecans, then pour the filling over the warm baked crust.
6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is set and golden.
7. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
8. Serve at room temperature or chilled from the fridge.
Notes
These bars can be frozen individually for up to 2 months.
For added depth of flavor, lightly toast your pecans before mixing into the filling.
Optional: top each square with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Easy Pecan Pie Bars Dessert
There’s something magical about easy pecan dessert bars they’re unfussy, deeply flavored, and always a hit. You don’t need to roll dough, parbake crusts, or worry about soggy bottoms. Just layer, bake, slice, and serve. They freeze well, travel well, and never last more than a day in my house.
If you loved our Pecan Dump Cake Recipe, you’ll adore these bars. They’re cut-from-the-same-dish kind of comfort—but with a slightly firmer bite and a delightfully rich center.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Making pecan pie bars is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enjoy that classic Southern flavor—without the fuss of making a whole pie. Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or a weekday craving, these bars come together fast, taste amazing, and store like a dream.
Let’s break it down, starting with what you’ll need to make them just right.
Key Ingredients for Success
Here’s everything required for the base and filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
This combination delivers that classic buttery crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling that sets beautifully. Use fresh pecans for the best flavor, and don’t be afraid to toast them briefly beforehand.
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Combine the butter, flour, and sugar, and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the filling over the hot crust and return to the oven.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
If you loved our Butter Pecan Dump Cake Recipe, you’ll love how these pecan pie bars capture that same nostalgic sweetness—with a bit more texture and chew. For more easy desserts with buttery bases and satisfying flavor, try our lazy day lemon cream pie bars or these lazy girl pecan pie bars for a shortcut twist on a Southern classic.
Pecan Pie Bar Variations to Try
One of the best parts about pecan pie bars? They’re incredibly versatile. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, there’s plenty of room to experiment—whether you’re looking to spice things up for the holidays or try a fun twist on a Southern classic.
For starters, let’s talk about shortcut options. If you’re short on time or just want something simple with minimal cleanup, try the lazy girl pecan pie bars version. Swap the homemade crust for refrigerated sugar cookie dough or even graham cracker crumbs pressed with butter. It’s quick, it’s easy, and still gets you that sticky-sweet pecan top we all love.
Then there’s the indulgent twist we can’t ignore—pecan pie cheesecake bars. This layered version adds a creamy cheesecake center between the crust and pecan filling. It’s rich, decadent, and especially perfect for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving gatherings. The texture contrast between creamy and crunchy? Next-level delicious.
Perfect for Holidays
If you’re collecting holiday dessert bar ideas, this recipe should be front and center. It travels well, stores beautifully, and can be dressed up with a sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of chocolate, or even a few candied cranberries for color.
You can also try turning these into pecan pie dessert squares by cutting them smaller and serving on mini cupcake liners as finger food. They’re elegant, shareable, and always one of the first trays to empty at holiday parties.
How to Store, Serve, and Freeze Pecan Pie Bars
After baking and slicing your pecan pie bar , keeping them fresh is easy—and just as satisfying as eating them warm out of the pan.
These bars hold their shape beautifully, which makes them perfect for prepping ahead, freezing, or wrapping up in little parchment bundles for neighbors and friends. But whether you keep them on the counter or tuck them into the freezer, there’s a right way to do it.
Do Pecan Pie Bar Need to Be Refrigerated?
Not always—but it depends on how long you plan to store them. For up to two days, pecan pie bars can stay on the counter in a tightly sealed container. They’ll keep their soft, chewy texture best this way. But if your kitchen is warm, or you’re holding onto them for longer, the fridge is your friend.
Refrigerated, the bars will stay fresh for about 5 days. Just let them come to room temp before serving for that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Serving tip: Try pairing chilled pecan pie bars with a hot cup of coffee, or warm them up and top with whipped cream for dessert. Their versatility makes them a dream for anyone who loves easy, rich, make-ahead sweets.
FAQs About Pecan Pie Bar Recipe
Can you freeze pecan pie bars?
Yes, absolutely! Freezing pecan pie bars is a great way to save leftovers or prep ahead for the holidays. Once cooled, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Do pecan pie bar need to be refrigerated?
It depends. If you plan to eat them within 1–2 days and your kitchen is cool, you can leave them in an airtight container at room temperature. However, if it’s warm or you want to store them longer, it’s best to refrigerate them. They’ll last about 5 days in the fridge and still taste incredible.
How to store pecan pie bars for maximum freshness?
For short-term storage, keep them in a tightly sealed container on the counter for 1–2 days. For longer storage, move them to the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’re storing for weeks, wrap and freeze the bars individually to maintain flavor and texture.
Can I freeze pecan pie bar after baking?
Yes, and it’s actually the preferred method if you’re planning to serve them later. Make sure they’ve cooled completely, then wrap each bar individually before freezing. This makes it easy to grab just one (or three) whenever you need a sweet fix.
Conclusion
Pecan pie bars take everything we love about the classic Southern pie and make it easy, sliceable, and totally shareable. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday potluck, or just treating yourself to a cozy weekday dessert, these bars check every box: buttery crust, rich filling, and that signature pecan crunch in every bite.
They’re easy to customize, simple to store, and—bonus—freezer friendly. From shortcut lazy girl pecan pie bar to more decadent pecan pie cheesecake bars, there’s a version for everyone. Add to that how effortlessly they fit into your list of holiday dessert bar ideas, and it’s easy to see why this recipe earns a permanent spot in any Southern kitchen.
So preheat your oven, grab a baking dish, and let these pecan pie bar become the new tradition your family asks for year after year. Still curious how others do it? Here’s a classic version of pecan pie bars on AllRecipes that helped inspire this variation.
