Easiest Pecan Bars Ever Recipe

Introduction

These pecan bars are a simple, delicious treat perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and a rich, nutty filling, they come together quickly and deliver impressive flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
3. Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform layer that covers the entire bottom.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Step 5: While the crust bakes, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
7. Step 7: Pour the pecan mixture over the partially baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
8. Step 8: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set and the top is a rich golden brown.
9. Step 9: Check doneness by gently shaking the pan—the center should not jiggle much, indicating the filling is set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the chopped pecans lightly before folding them into the filling.
• Use parchment paper with an overhang to easily lift the bars out of the pan for clean cutting.
• Swap half the pecans for walnuts or add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for a twist.

Storage

Store pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften before serving, if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the crust to balance the flavors.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Allow the bars to cool completely and chill for at least an hour. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry for smooth, clean cuts.

Easiest Pecan Bars Ever Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

These easiest pecan bars are a deliciously buttery and sweet treat featuring a crumbly shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling. Perfect for snacking, parties, or dessert, this simple recipe combines the crunch of pecans with a luscious caramel-like custard, baked to golden perfection.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or food processor
• Whisk
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend these ingredients until the mixture forms coarse, sandy crumbs.
3. Press Crust into Pan: Evenly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming a uniform, compact layer that covers the entire bottom.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it becomes lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Pecan Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the light brown sugar, light corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
6. Add Pecans: Fold the chopped pecans gently into the filling mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
7. Pour Filling Over Crust: Carefully pour the pecan filling over the partially baked crust and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
8. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set and a rich golden brown on top.
9. Check for Doneness and Cool: To test doneness gently shake the pan; the center should be mostly set without much jiggle. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened—not melted—for better crust texture.
• You can line the pan with parchment paper to easily lift out bars for cleaner cuts.
• For crispier edges, bake the crust slightly longer but watch carefully to avoid overbrowning.
• Chop pecans uniformly to ensure even distribution and texture.
• Store leftover pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For enhanced flavor, toast pecans lightly before adding to the filling.

Keywords: pecan bars, easy pecan bars, pecan dessert, nut bars, easy baking, pecan recipes, holiday dessert