Pecan Bars – Gooey, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet

Imagine the irresistible flavor of pecan pie transformed into a handheld treat—that’s exactly what these pecan bars deliver. With a buttery shortbread crust, a caramel-like filling, and a generous topping of toasted pecans, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chewy. They’re lighter than traditional pecan pie but still decadent enough to make any dessert table shine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavor in Every Bite – All the richness of pecan pie, in a portable square.
Lighter Touch – Smart ingredient swaps keep them satisfying without going overboard.
Perfect for Sharing – Great for parties, potlucks, or gifting.
Make Ahead Friendly – Flavors deepen overnight for even more deliciousness.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup light butter, softened
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• 2 tbsp light butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecan halves or pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix flour, butter, and sugar until crumbly. Press firmly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.

3. Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans until evenly coated.

4. Assemble & Bake
Pour the filling over the baked crust, spreading pecans evenly. Return to oven and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly.

5. Cool & Slice
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares. For clean cuts, chill briefly before slicing.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fat: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Perfect Pecan Bars

Toast the Pecans First: Enhances their natural flavor and adds a deeper nuttiness.
Don’t Overbake: The filling should be set but still soft for a gooey bite.
Make Ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Add a Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty finish.

Why This Recipe Works

These pecan bars deliver the soul of pecan pie in a simple, fuss-free format. The buttery crust holds up perfectly under the rich filling, while the pecans bring crunch and flavor. They’re indulgent yet balanced—ideal for when you want a little treat without overdoing it.