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The Ultimate Easy Pecan Pie Bars with Perfect Buttery Shortbread Crust

A close-up shot of a thick, gooey, and nutty pecan pie bars square sitting on a white plate.
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Make these simple pecan pie bars featuring a rich, buttery shortbread crust and a gooey, caramelized pecan filling. This recipe delivers the classic flavor of pecan pie in an easy, sliceable bar format, perfect for potlucks or holiday baking.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves or pieces

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the shortbread crust: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Gradually mix in the flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. While the crust bakes, prepare the gooey pecan filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined.
  6. Stir in the pecan halves or pieces.
  7. Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot, partially baked shortbread crust.
  8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are bubbly.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important for clean slicing.
  10. Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • For the best, cleanest slices, chill the cooled bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting.
  • To toast the pecans before adding them to the filling, spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This deepens their flavor.
  • If you want a chocolate variation, sprinkle 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot filling immediately after removing it from the oven, then let it cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chefsily.com/easy-pecan-pie-bars-buttery-crust-recipe/