Are you craving a taste of the South? Then look no further! These pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the fuss of a whole pie. They’re incredibly easy to make, unbelievably delicious, and ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your homemade cooking journey, this recipe is perfect for you. Get ready to experience the magic of easy recipes and healthy(ish) indulgence!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter and sugar to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Press into pan: Press the dough into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Make the Filling and Assemble:
- Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add pecans: Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour over crust: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for Success:
- Use chilled ingredients: Cold butter is crucial for a flaky crust.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will result in a tough crust.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely prevents them from crumbling.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling.
- Spiced Pecan Pie Bars: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the filling.
- Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars: Drizzle with your favorite store-bought or homemade salted caramel sauce after the bars have cooled.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 3g
These delicious pecan pie bars are a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for any occasion. Enjoy!