Pecan pie bars

Here’s a delicious, portable twist on the classic pie: Pecan Pie Bars! 🍯🥧🍫 These are gooey, buttery, and nutty with a shortbread crust — perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an anytime treat.

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🥧 Pecan Pie Bars

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes

⏱️ Bake Time: 50–55 minutes

❄️ Cool Time: 1–2 hours

🍴 Yields: 16–20 bars

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📝 Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp salt

For the Pecan Filling:

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups pecans, chopped or halved

• ¼ tsp salt

• Optional: 1 tbsp bourbon or a pinch of cinnamon for depth

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 1. Preheat Oven

• Preheat to 350°F (175°C).

• Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease.

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🔹 2. Make the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar.

2. Add flour and salt. Mix until crumbly.

3. Press evenly into the prepared pan.

4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until just lightly golden.

   • Remove from oven but keep the oven on.

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🔹 3. Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.

2. Stir in pecans (and optional bourbon or cinnamon).

3. Pour the mixture over the warm crust.

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🔹 4. Bake Again

• Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles.

• The top should be golden and slightly glossy.

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🔹 5. Cool & Cut

• Let cool completely (1–2 hours or refrigerate for faster results).

• Cut into squares or bars.

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🔁 Variations

• Chocolate Pecan Bars: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the filling.

• Maple Pecan Bars: Replace half the corn syrup with pure maple syrup.

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

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Would you like a smaller batch, no-corn syrup version, or something like salted caramel pecan bars?