Easiest Pecan Bars Ever Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Pecans: Fold the chopped pecans gently into the filling mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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