Are you craving that warm, gooey, pecan pie goodness but don't have the time for a whole pie? Then these Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Bars are your answer! This recipe delivers all the rich, nutty flavor of a classic pecan pie in a convenient, easy-to-make bar format. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a simple weeknight dessert, these bars are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. They're surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers, offering a delicious homemade treat without the fuss. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, reimagined!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in fats: Add the cold butter and shortening. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage.
- Roll and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12x15 inch rectangle. Transfer to a baking sheet. Prick the dough all over with a fork.
- Blind bake (optional): For a crispier crust, you can blind bake it for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling. Line the dough with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
Making and Baking the Pecan Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Add pecans: Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour filling: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the prepared crust.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. The edges might brown a bit faster, so keep an eye on them.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars:
- Use good quality pecans: The flavor of your pecans will significantly impact the overall taste of the bars.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in dry bars. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Cooling completely ensures that the filling sets properly and prevents messy bars.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the pecan filling for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced Pecan Pie Bars: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the pecan filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 18-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
These Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors, perfect for satisfying any dessert craving. Enjoy!