Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe – Quick Homemade Dessert

These simple pecan pie bars are a fantastic homemade treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings with few ingredients.

They offer all the deliciousness of a classic pecan pie but in a convenient, easy-to-eat bar form. You’ll love how quickly these come together, making them ideal for last-minute desserts or a sweet snack any time of day.

Get ready to discover a new favorite that’s sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. This recipe is designed for ease and delicious results, ensuring a perfect batch every time.

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What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie but needs a more approachable and less time-consuming option. It’s perfect for busy parents looking for a simple dessert, beginner bakers wanting to try something new, or anyone who appreciates a sweet treat without a fuss. These bars are fantastic for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee at home. They offer the classic taste of a holiday favorite in a format that’s easy to serve and enjoy year-round, without the need for a pie crust from scratch or intricate baking techniques.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for these pecan pie bars is straightforward, using items you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available components that come together to create something truly special.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (18-ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

For the sugar cookie dough, you can use any brand of refrigerated dough you prefer. If you don’t have light brown sugar, dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor, though it will slightly alter the taste. When it comes to pecans, chopped is best for even distribution and easier slicing of the bars. If you only have whole pecans, a quick chop with a knife will do the trick.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

Preparing these delightful pecan pie bars is surprisingly quick, making them an excellent choice when time is of the essence.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes (minimum for setting)
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating these pecan pie bars is a simple process with clear steps that ensure a perfect outcome. Follow these instructions for a delicious homemade dessert.

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will prevent sticking and make serving much simpler.
2. Press the Cookie Dough Base: Take the refrigerated sugar cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. You want to create a uniform layer that will serve as the crust for your bars. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure it’s flat and covers the entire bottom.
3. Create the Pecan Filling Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, packed light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. The mixture should be thick and syrupy.
4. Add Eggs and Pecans: Crack the two large eggs into the brown sugar mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. The mixture will become slightly lighter in color and more cohesive. Gently fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
5. Pour Over the Crust: Carefully pour the pecan filling mixture over the sugar cookie dough crust in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly, ensuring it covers the entire surface of the cookie dough base.
6. Bake Until Golden: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool Completely Before Slicing: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is a crucial step; allowing the bars to cool fully will help the filling set properly, making them much easier to slice cleanly. If you try to cut them while warm, they may crumble.
8. Slice and Serve: Once thoroughly cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Serve and enjoy!

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

These pecan pie bars are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, consider adding a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the pecan filling before baking; the combination of chocolate and pecan is always a hit. You could also drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top of the cooled bars for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

When serving for a party or buffet, arrange the bars on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, especially when still slightly warm. For a more adult-oriented gathering, a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce would elevate the flavors beautifully. These bars are also excellent alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple recipe, a few common mistakes can occur. Being aware of them can help you achieve perfect pecan pie bars every time.

• Under-baking the Bars: One of the most frequent issues is pulling the bars out of the oven too soon. If the center is still too soft or jiggly, the filling won’t set properly, and the bars will be messy to cut. Ensure the edges are golden and the center is firm when gently touched. A toothpick test (coming out clean or with moist crumbs) is a good indicator.
• Cutting While Warm: It’s tempting to slice into these delicious bars right away, but cutting them before they are completely cooled will result in a crumbly, sticky mess. The filling needs time to set and firm up as it cools. Patience is key here for clean, neat slices.
• Over-mixing the Filling: While not as critical as with cakes, over-mixing the pecan filling can sometimes lead to a tougher texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the eggs are incorporated.
• Forgetting to Grease or Line the Pan: This might seem minor, but skipping this step can make it very difficult to remove the bars from the pan without breaking them. Parchment paper with an overhang is highly recommended for effortless removal.
• Uneven Crust: If the sugar cookie dough base isn’t pressed evenly into the pan, some parts of the crust might be too thick or too thin, leading to uneven baking. Take a moment to ensure a uniform layer.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

Proper storage is essential to keep your pecan pie bars fresh and delicious. Once completely cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you live in a warm or humid climate, or if you want to extend their freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration might make the crust slightly firmer.

For making ahead, these bars are an excellent option. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them as described. If you plan to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Reheating is generally not necessary, but if you prefer them slightly warm, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds per bar can work wonders.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can! Walnuts are a popular substitute and will work well in this recipe, offering a slightly different flavor profile. You could also try a mix of pecans and walnuts.

Do I have to use refrigerated cookie dough, or can I make my own?

While this recipe specifically calls for refrigerated sugar cookie dough for its quick and easy nature, you can certainly use your favorite homemade sugar cookie dough recipe for the base. Just ensure it’s a firm dough that can be pressed into the pan.

My bars are too crumbly. What went wrong?

The most common reason for crumbly bars is cutting them before they have fully cooled and set. The filling needs time to firm up. Ensure they

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.