Hey y'all! If you're searching for a dessert that channels all the charm and sweetness of the South, these Southern Pecan Pie Bars – Rich & Buttery are about to become your new favorite treat. With their melt-in-your-mouth buttery crust and gooey, caramelized pecan topping, these bars are perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night in with family. They deliver all the classic flavors of pecan pie in easy-to-serve squares. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Southern Pecan Pie Bars – Rich & Buttery Recipe
- Buttery, tender shortbread crust balances the sweet, nutty topping perfectly.
- No need to fuss with pie crusts – these bars are easier and less messy than traditional pecan pie.
- Great for making ahead and sharing at parties, bake sales, or family celebrations.
- Rich, caramel flavor with a satisfying crunch from toasted pecans.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
Ingredients for Southern Pecan Pie Bars – Rich & Buttery
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
How to Make Southern Pecan Pie Bars – Rich & Buttery: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Press dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until edges are just turning golden.
Step 2: Make the Rich & Buttery Pecan Filling
- While the crust bakes, whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
- Pour the pecan filling over the hot crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Let bars cool completely in the pan (about 2 hours) before lifting out and cutting into squares.
Notes for Perfect Southern Pecan Pie Bars – Rich & Buttery
- For the flakiest crust, use room-temperature butter and don’t overmix the dough.
- If your bars seem too soft, chill them in the refrigerator before cutting for clean edges.
- Learn more about working with pecans and their nutrition benefits from Nutrition Value.
Southern Pecan Pie Bars – Rich & Buttery: Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent twist.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute half the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust to make these bars suitable for gluten-free diets.
Required Equipment for Southern Pecan Pie Bars – Rich & Buttery
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or sturdy wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Storage Instructions for Southern Pecan Pie Bars – Rich & Buttery
Store cooled pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze bars (well-wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Serve bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Pair with hot coffee, sweet tea, or a bourbon-spiked cocktail for Southern flair.
- Delicious alongside fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
Pro Tips for Perfect Southern Pecan Pie Bars – Rich & Buttery
- Lightly toast pecans before adding them for extra depth of flavor (see Southern Living's guide).
- For the cleanest cuts, chill the bars and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper—it makes removing the bars a breeze (read more here).
FAQ – Southern Pecan Pie Bars – Rich & Buttery
- Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
- Yes, but the bars will have a deeper color and a more robust flavor—both are delicious!
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- Absolutely! They keep well in the fridge and actually cut more cleanly after being chilled.
- Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?
- Chopped pecans ensure even distribution, but you can use whole halves for a decorative top if you prefer.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes cooling)
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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2In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, flour, granulated sugar, and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
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3Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
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4In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in chopped pecans.
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5Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the baked crust. Return to oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
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6Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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