If you love classic pecan pie, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for these Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars! All the rich, buttery, nutty goodness of a traditional pecan pie — transformed into easy-to-make dessert bars that slice and serve like a dream.
These bars bake up beautifully in a 9×13 pan, making them ideal for sharing at Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or fall gatherings. They’re simple, portable, and crowd-pleasing every time!
❤️ Why You’ll Love These Bars
- All the flavor of pecan pie — no pie dish required!
- Simple prep with no rolling or blind-baking needed
- Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly
- Perfect for serving a crowd — makes up to 24 bars
- Great for gifting, parties, and holiday dessert tables
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Buttery Pecan Crust
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
For the Gooey Pecan Filling
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1¼ cups light or dark corn syrup
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups chopped pecans
👩🍳 How to Make Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and chopped pecans. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter (or your hands) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the crust evenly into the bottom of the pan, slightly up the edges.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and salt. Add the eggs and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
Stir in the corn syrup, maple syrup, and chopped pecans until evenly combined.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the filling evenly over the hot crust straight from the oven.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set and a knife inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out mostly clean.
Step 5: Cool & Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
For perfectly neat slices, chill for about 30 minutes, then cut into squares with a sharp knife.
💡 Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake! The filling will firm up as it cools.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner, even squares.
- Use room-temperature butter for a crumbly, tender crust.
- Make ahead: These bars store beautifully and freeze well for later.
🧊 Storage & Freezing
To Store:
Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If stacking, layer parchment or wax paper between them.
To Freeze:
Wrap the entire pan tightly or store individual bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
🍂 Perfect For:
- Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert tables
- Holiday cookie swaps and gift boxes
- Potlucks, tailgates, or church gatherings
- Cozy autumn weekends or “just because” baking days
✨ In Summary
These Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars deliver everything you crave about classic pecan pie — the sweet, caramelized filling, the buttery crust, the toasty pecans — in an easy, sliceable form that’s perfect for sharing.
Whether it’s a festive feast or a fall afternoon coffee break, these bars make any occasion a little sweeter