As I pulled these Rich Pecan Pie Bars with Easy Pie Crust from the oven, the irresistible scent of toasted pecans wafted through my kitchen, wrapping me in a warm embrace. A twist on the beloved classic pecan pie, these bars marry a gooey, sweet filling with a simple, flaky crust that’s so easy, it saves you time without skimping on flavor. They’re perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, ready to impress your loved ones with a delightful treat that’s just as great warmed up as it is chilled. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, giving you the power to whip out a delicious dessert anytime the craving strikes. Curious about how to create this crowd-pleaser? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Are These Pecan Pie Bars Irresistible? Rich, Gooey Filling: The delightful blend of light corn syrup and brown sugar creates a luscious texture that’s decadently sweet and oh-so-satisfying. Easy Peasy Crust: With a store-bought pie dough, you can avoid the hassle of making crust from scratch, making this recipe approachable for all skill levels. Endless Versatility: Feel free to swap in walnuts or almonds for a unique twist, or opt for a gluten-free pie crust to cater to dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight treat, these bars are sure to impress. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert with the ultimate comfort factor. Make Ahead Magic: These treats freeze beautifully, allowing you to have a delicious dessert on hand whenever those cravings hit. For additional inspiration, try pairing these bars with a warm cup alongside our Ground Beef Asian Lettuce Wraps for a well-rounded meal! Rich Pecan Pie Bars Ingredients • Enjoy the process of creating these delicious Rich Pecan Pie Bars with the following ingredients: For the Easy Pie Crust Refrigerated Pie Dough – (1 pkg – 16 oz, contains 2 crusts); this forms the buttery base for your bars. For the Filling Light Corn Syrup – (1 cup); adds sweetness and keeps the filling delightfully gooey. Brown Sugar – (1 cup, packed); brings a rich, caramel-like flavor to the filling. Unsalted Butter – (½ cup, melted); enhances the richness of the pecan mixture. Eggs – (3 large); an essential binding agent that helps achieve the perfect texture. Vanilla Extract – (1 teaspoon, pure); elevates the overall flavor profile beautifully. Pecan Halves – (1 ½ cups); the star of the show, offering nutty goodness and irresistible crunch. Salt – (¼ teaspoon); balances out the sweetness for a well-rounded taste. Optional Adaptations Substitute with Gluten-Free Pie Crust if needed, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious bars! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Rich Pecan Pie Bars with Easy Pie Crust Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the Rich Pecan Pie Bars, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a beautifully golden top. While the oven warms up, you can focus on preparing your baking pan and crust. Step 2: Grease the Baking Pan Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. This step prevents the bars from sticking, making it easier to cut them into perfect squares later. As you do this, set your pan aside and gather your pie crust so it’s ready to roll out. Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust Roll out both refrigerated pie crusts, pressing them evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. If you encounter any gaps, simply patch them with leftover crust. Aim for a smooth, even layer as this will serve as the buttery base for your Rich Pecan Pie Bars, ready to support the filling. Step 4: Mix the Filling Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. You should see a rich, glossy texture form, which will become the gooey filling of your pecan bars. Step 5: Add the Pecans Now, fold the pecan halves into your filling mixture. Stir gently to distribute the nuts evenly throughout the gooey mixture. The pecans not only add a delightful crunch but also enhance the overall flavor of the Rich Pecan Pie Bars, making them irresistible. Step 6: Pour the Filling into the Crust Spread the pecan filling evenly over the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth it out gently, ensuring that every corner of the crust is covered. This filling will bubble up beautifully as it bakes, creating that signature sweet and nutty layer we love in pecan pie bars. Step 7: Bake the Bars Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is set around the edges and slightly golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking and preserve the gooey texture. Step 8: Cool and Serve Once baked, allow the Rich Pecan Pie Bars to cool in the pan for 2 hours at room temperature. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for 30 minutes after cooling. This cooling time is essential, as it helps the filling firm up, making it easier to cut into delightful squares. Expert Tips for Rich Pecan Pie Bars Toasting Pecans: Toasting your pecans before adding them enhances their nutty flavor and adds depth to the filling, making your Rich Pecan Pie Bars even more irresistible. Pre-Baking the Crust: For a sturdier base, consider pre-baking the pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy crust! Mind the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake; over-baking can rob you of that delightful gooey texture that makes these bars special. Chill for Clean Slices: To achieve perfectly neat and clean slices, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Or refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the filling! Substitutions Beware: If substituting ingredients like corn syrup or pecans, be mindful that it may change the flavor and texture of your Rich Pecan Pie Bars, so adjust expectations accordingly. Storage Tips for Rich Pecan Pie Bars Room Temperature: Keep the Rich Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor. Fridge: For extended freshness, store the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure they’re covered tightly to prevent them from drying out. Freezer: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months! Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Serve them warm for a cozy treat! What to Serve with Rich Pecan Pie Bars with Easy Pie Crust Indulging in the sweet, nutty goodness of these bars opens up a world of delightful pairings to create the perfect dessert experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious, cool contrast to the warm, gooey bars, enhancing the flavor beautifully. Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream brings a delightful fluffiness that complements the rich pecan filling in every bite. Drizzled Caramel Sauce: A touch of rich caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and creates a visually stunning presentation on your dessert plate. Steamy Coffee: The deep, bold flavor of fresh-brewed coffee offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the bars, making it a perfect after-dinner pairing. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea enhance the bars’ sweet nuttiness and provide a cozy feeling that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Chocolate Sauce: For the chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce can add decadent richness, creating a flavor combination that’s utterly irresistible. Seasonal Fruit: Pairing the bars with fresh fruit, like ripe berries or slices of pear, offers a refreshing touch that balances the richness effectively. Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water with lemon or lime cuts through the sweetness of the bars, offering a refreshing palate cleanse. Cupcakes: Serve miniature cupcakes alongside for a fun dessert spread, letting guests enjoy a variety of sweet experiences while celebrating the pecan bars. Make Ahead Options These Rich Pecan Pie Bars with Easy Pie Crust are a lifesaver for busy home cooks! You can prep the crust and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply roll out the crust and place it in the baking pan, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The filling can be mixed and stored in an airtight container in the fridge as well. When you’re ready to bake, just pour the filling over the chilled crust and bake according to the recipe instructions. This way, you’ll save precious time and still achieve the same decadent, gooey goodness! Just remember to cool the bars completely afterward for the best slicing experience. Rich Pecan Pie Bars Variations & Substitutions Feel free to make these delicious Rich Pecan Pie Bars your own with these tempting twists and swaps. Nut Substitutions: If you’re out of pecans, try using walnuts or almonds instead. They will bring a new flavor while still keeping that delightful crunch. Gluten-Free Option: Opt for a gluten-free pie crust to make these bars accessible for everyone. It’s a simple swap that doesn’t skimp on taste. Maple Syrup Swap: Substitute light corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a uniquely rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the pecans. Boozy Extra: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling for a warm kick. Just a tablespoon can elevate your bars into a delightful adult treat. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars for a decadent touch. Chocolate and pecans are a match made in heaven! Dairy-Free Version: To create a dairy-free option, use coconut oil in place of butter and swap regular pie crust for a vegan-friendly version. Spiced Up: Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a spiced twist. It’s a great way to make those flavors sing, especially around the holidays. Caramel Layer: Before pouring in your filling, spread a layer of caramel sauce in the bottom of the crust. This adds a gooeyness that takes the bars to the next level. For more delicious recipe ideas, try making our Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas or treat yourself to a slice of Velvet Cake Dessert for a delightful contrast! Rich Pecan Pie Bars with Easy Pie Crust Recipe FAQs What type of pie crust should I use for the Rich Pecan Pie Bars? You can use a store-bought refrigerated pie crust, which makes this recipe super easy and time-efficient. For a gluten-free option, simply swap it out for a gluten-free refrigerated pie crust, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious bars! How should I store the Rich Pecan Pie Bars once baked? Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For greater freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. Always ensure they are covered tightly to retain their delightful gooey texture and prevent drying out. Can I freeze the Rich Pecan Pie Bars? Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag to keep them from freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm in the microwave for about 15 seconds for a cozy treat! What should I do if my filling is too runny? If you find that your filling is runny after baking, it may not have cooked long enough. Ensure to bake the bars until the filling is set around the edges and slightly golden brown on top. If the problem persists, it might be beneficial to use an extra egg or slightly reduce the amount of liquid ingredients next time. How can I tell if my pecans are fresh enough? When selecting your pecans, look for ones that are plump and have a natural, nutty aroma. Avoid any with dark spots or a rancid smell, as these indicate spoilage. Fresh pecans will contribute a delightful crunch and richness to your Rich Pecan Pie Bars. Can I make these Rich Pecan Pie Bars ahead of time? Certainly! These bars can be made a day in advance, which makes them perfect for gatherings. Just remember to allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container, ensuring that they retain that wonderful gooey texture when served. Decadent Rich Pecan Pie Bars with Easy Pie Crust You'll Love Enjoy these Rich Pecan Pie Bars with Easy Pie Crust that offer a gooey, sweet filling and a simple, flaky crust for a delightful dessert experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsCooling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 55 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Easy Pie Crust1 pkg Refrigerated Pie Dough (16 oz, contains 2 crusts)For the Filling1 cup Light Corn Syrup adds sweetness and keeps the filling delightfully gooey1 cup Brown Sugar (packed) brings a rich, caramel-like flavor½ cup Unsalted Butter (melted) enhances the richness3 large Eggs an essential binding agent1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract pure, elevates the overall flavor1 ½ cups Pecan Halves the star of the show¼ teaspoon Salt balances sweetnessOptional AdaptationsGluten-Free Pie Crust for dietary preferences Equipment 9x13 inch baking panmixing bowlwhiskspatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.Roll out both refrigerated pie crusts, pressing them evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.Fold the pecan halves into your filling mixture.Spread the pecan filling evenly over the prepared pie crust.Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.Allow the Rich Pecan Pie Bars to cool in the pan for 2 hours at room temperature. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesThese bars freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy them anytime. Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Watch the baking time to preserve the gooey texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
