Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate
Yield: 24 bars
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern American

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Introduction

Experience the rich, gooey delight of classic Southern pecan pie in portable bar form with these Southern Pecan Pie Bars. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a caramel-pecan filling, this recipe captures all the nostalgic flavor of the traditional dessert but simplifies serving for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or everyday indulgence. The bars are wonderfully chewy, perfectly sweet, and studded with toasted pecans. Best of all, they can be made ahead and stored, making them an ideal treat for your dessert table.

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Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Pecan Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup

• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3 1/2 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped

For Garnish (optional):

• Flaky sea salt

• 1 tablespoon bourbon (added to filling, optional)

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Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan

• Parchment paper

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Electric mixer or food processor

• Rubber spatula

• Cooling rack

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment.

2. In a food processor, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Pulse to blend. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and starts to clump together. Alternatively, use a pastry cutter or two forks in a bowl.

3. Press the dough evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it.

4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack while you prepare the filling. Leave the oven on.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup and brown sugar until smooth.

2. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.

3. Whisk in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt (and bourbon if using) until fully incorporated.

4. Stir in the toasted chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the pecan filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

2. Carefully return the pan to the oven and bake for 32-35 minutes. The filling should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center—it will firm up as it cools. The top will be deep golden brown.

3. Place the pan on a cooling rack and allow to cool completely at room temperature, about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

1. For the cleanest cuts, cover the cooled pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

2. Using the parchment overhang, lift the entire slab out of the pan and onto a cutting board.

3. Using a sharp chef’s knife, trim away any uneven edges (a cook’s treat!). Cut into 24 squares (4 rows by 6 rows). Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat bars.

4. If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each bar just before serving.

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Storage & Serving Notes

• Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

• Serving Suggestion: Serve at room temperature. Pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk is the perfect accompaniment.

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Chef’s Tips

• Toasting Pecans: Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. This deepens their flavor.

• Don’t Overbake: The key to a gooey, not rubbery, texture is pulling the bars when the center still jiggles slightly.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs and butter ensures a smooth, well-emulsified filling.

• Customize: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling or use maple syrup in place of 1/4 cup of the corn syrup for a nuanced flavor.

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Nutrition Information (per bar, approximate)

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

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Enjoy these rich, decadent Southern Pecan Pie Bars—a handheld homage to a classic dessert that’s sure to bring sweet, buttery joy to any occasion. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring one blissful bite at a time.